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Some impressive names to his credit.
This Monday, OM officially announced the departure of Pablo Longoria. Having stepped back for several weeks, the Spaniard remained at the helm of the Marseille club for six years.
During his tenure, the former sporting director was known for his enthusiasm for transfers (perhaps too much) and his ability to attract big names.
As we reflect on his tenure, we have selected the best recruits of the Spanish leader with OM.
Gerson (2021)
The first major recruit of the Spanish leader during a summer transfer window. The Brazilian took a few months to adapt to Ligue 1 before becoming one of its best players, leading OM to second place.
Unfortunately, his adventure lasted only a year and a half. He was transferred in the winter of 2022 after a series of disagreements with Igor Tudor's methods.
📸 NICOLAS TUCAT
William Saliba (2021)
Struggling at Arsenal, where he couldn't secure his place, William Saliba landed at OM on loan for the 2021-22 season.
Quickly, the defender established himself as the pillar of the Marseille defense. Following this season, he was voted the best young player in Ligue 1 and was part of the season's best team.
A love story that lasted only a year, with the young player returning to Arsenal at the end of the season to become one of the best defenders in the world.
📸 FABRICE COFFRINI
Alexis Sanchez (2022)
In the summer of 2022, Pablo Longoria was looking for a striker suitable for his new coach Igor Tudor's system. The president then revived the long-standing pursuit of Alexis Sanchez.
Through perseverance and persuasion, Pablo Longoria managed to bring the Chilean to Marseille. He finished his one and only season in Marseille with 18 goals and three assists in 44 matches.
📸 SAMEER AL-DOUMY
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2023)
Following the departure of Alexis Sanchez, Marseille needed to find a new experienced striker. The club set its sights on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was struggling at Chelsea.
Despite a slow start, the Gabonese player concluded a (first) historic season amidst Marseille's turmoil. With 30 goals and 14 assists, Aubameyang delivered the most prolific season for an Olympian striker since Didier Drogba.
📸 JOSE JORDAN – AFP or licensors
Mason Greenwood (2024)
A controversial transfer due to off-field issues that heavily tarnished the young Englishman's resume, Mason Greenwood's arrival bore fruit on the pitch.
42 goals and 21 assists in 86 matches for the former Manchester United player, who notably led OM to the Champions League last year with a joint top scorer position in Ligue 1.
📸 THIBAUD MORITZ – AFP or licensors
Adrien Rabiot (2024)
Arriving unexpectedly after the transfer window closed, Adrien Rabiot quickly proved to be a player of a caliber OM was no longer accustomed to.
Immediately installed as a key player in the Olympian midfield, Rabiot was arguably the most consistent player during Roberto De Zerbi's first season.
Unfortunately for Marseille, the story ended poorly, and Rabiot is now thriving at AC Milan.
📸 CHRISTOPHE SIMON – AFP or licensors
Which other recruits from the Longoria era stood out to you? Tell us in the comments.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.
