According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, former Juventus and Bayern Munich defender Mehdi Benatia is Olympique de Marseille’s priority to replace the outgoing Javier Ribalta.
As reported by L’Équipe earlier on Wednesday, Ribalta looks set to leave his role as director of football. The Spaniard stepped back from the role following a meeting between OM’s executives and the club’s supporter groups back in September. That meeting led to the departure of manager Marcelino, whilst President Pablo Longoria, along with the rest of the club’s executives all stepped back. All of since returned, and whilst Ribalta was also back at La Commanderie last week, he won’t stay. The formalities of his departure are currently being discussed.
As reported by RMC Sport, a shortlist to replace Ribalta is already being constructed, and Benatia, who came through the ranks at the club, but never featured for the first team, is at the top.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
