Olympique de Marseille has intensified its search for a new starting goalkeeper during the summer transfer window, according to regional and European sporting reports. With incumbent goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester City, the Ligue 1 club has actively evaluated multiple recruitment avenues across Europe and South America to secure a reliable successor for the upcoming campaign.
The sporting management team at Marseille, led internally through various market evaluations, has surveyed several prominent international profiles to address the looming departure of Rulli. Reports from butfootballclub.fr indicate that Rulli is expected to join Manchester City for a reported fee of 3.5 million euros, forcing Marseille officials to accelerate plans to safeguard the squad’s defensive depth ahead of crucial domestic and European fixtures.
While Jeffrey De Lange has served as the understudy to the Argentine international over the past two seasons and remains a credible internal candidate to step into the starting role, the club’s leadership continues to canvas the transfer market for established competition. The search has spanned multiple leagues, casting a wide net across Germany, Italy, and South America to identify a long-term solution between the posts.
Expanding the Goalkeeper Shortlist Across Europe
Marseille’s pursuit of a primary goalkeeper has brought several high-profile names to the forefront of the French club’s recruitment strategy. Among the prominent names linked by European outlets is Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. According to reporting from German media outlet Sport bei ntv, the 24-year-old German keeper has emerged on Marseille’s shortlist as a prime target, joining previous inquiries for Marcin Bulka of NEOM SC, Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes, and AZ Alkmaar’s Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.
Atubolu is currently valued at 25 million euros by Transfermarkt, though his contractual situation could alter potential negotiations. With his current deal with his formative club entering its final twelve months and no extension finalized, Freiburg could face pressure to entertain offers during the current window to prevent a free transfer next year. This delicate contractual dynamic potentially opens the door for interested clubs to secure his services below his peak market valuation.
In addition to the Bundesliga target, butfootballclub.fr reports that La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Marseille has also activated a scouting interest in Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. The Italian netminder enjoyed a productive campaign in Serie A last season, recording 30 league appearances alongside 13 clean sheets, while also featuring in six UEFA Champions League fixtures for the Turin giants.
Exploring South American Markets and Squad Reinforcements
Beyond European targets, Marseille’s scouting network has looked toward South America. Reports indicate that the club has monitored Orlando Gill, the goalkeeper currently playing for Argentine side San Lorenzo, as part of a wider effort to explore emerging talent across international borders.
Alongside the search for a new goalkeeper, Marseille’s recruitment department has revived interest in additional positions. According to updates from Sassuolo News via butfootballclub.fr, the French club has re-examined a potential move for Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig. The Scottish defender, who was previously scouted by Marseille at the beginning of 2024, made 30 league appearances last season, including 22 starts, and remains on the radar of several European suitors this summer.
Next Steps in the Transfer Market
As the summer transfer window progresses, Olympique de Marseille’s sporting hierarchy faces critical decisions regarding squad composition and financial allocations. With official pre-season preparations underway, club officials are expected to finalize their targeted shortlist before making formal bids for their primary defensive targets. Fans and analysts closely monitor official club announcements for updates on incoming transfers and departures.