Olympique de Marseille is on the verge of finalizing the signing of 29-year-old French defender Benjamin Pavard on a loan deal from Inter Milan, with a non-mandatory €15 million buy option. The negotiation, which progressed rapidly in the final hours of the transfer window, received verbal approval from all parties involved, with the French club covering the player’s salary in full. The deal now hinges on the signing of documents, expected to be completed before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2025. The move reflects Marseille’s strategy to bolster their defense with a high-profile name, while Inter plans to replace Pavard with Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji. Pavard, who previously shone in Ligue 1 with Lille, returns to French football after notable stints at Bayern Munich and Inter. Marseille fans eagerly await the official confirmation, which could elevate the team’s defensive strength under coach Roberto De Zerbi.
- Deal details:
- Loan until June 2026.
- €15 million buy option, non-mandatory.
- Player’s salary fully covered by Marseille.
- Verbal approval confirmed between clubs and player.
Accelerated talks at window’s end
Olympique de Marseille’s interest in Benjamin Pavard emerged as a response to the need to strengthen their defense, which showed vulnerabilities in the early rounds of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season. After failed attempts to sign other targets, such as Club Brugge’s Joel Ordoñez, the Phocéen club identified the Frenchman as a top-tier solution. The initial loan proposal with a buy option was well-received by Pavard, who is reportedly motivated to return to France and take on a leadership role in De Zerbi’s project. The speed of the negotiations reflects Marseille’s urgency to finalize their squad before the deadline. Inter Milan, meanwhile, showed willingness to negotiate Pavard’s departure, especially after securing Manuel Akanji. The choice of a loan with a buy option, rather than a permanent sale, sparked internal debates at the Italian club, which initially favored a definitive transfer. However, Marseille’s offer, with the salary covered and a €15 million clause, was deemed satisfactory to release the defender.
Pavard’s profile and versatility
Benjamin Pavard is renowned for his ability to play both as a center-back and right-back, a versatility that made him a key player at clubs like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, as well as the 2018 World Cup-winning French national team. His experience in top-tier competitions, including the Champions League, adds significant value to Marseille’s squad, which aims for greater defensive consistency to compete with rivals like PSG and Monaco in Ligue 1.
- Pavard’s strengths:
- Precise passing and game vision.
- Composure under pressure in high-stakes matches.
- Experience in elite leagues (Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Serie A).
- On-field leadership with a track record at top clubs.
The player, who began his career at Lille from 2005 to 2016, returns to French football at a peak moment in his career. His time at Inter, though successful, was marked by recent tensions with the board, which facilitated his decision to seek new challenges.
Marseille’s transfer market strategy
Olympique de Marseille has had an active transfer window, with other defensive signings like Nayef Aguerd from West Ham for €23 million in a permanent deal. Pavard’s arrival, even if initially on loan, signals the club’s ambition to build a competitive squad for the 2025/26 season. Coach Roberto De Zerbi, known for his attacking tactical style, sees the Frenchman as the ideal blend of defensive solidity and ball-playing quality. The transfer window also saw Marseille pursue other targets, such as Emerson Palmieri, to strengthen the left-back position. The focus on experienced players reflects the intent to balance the squad with athletes ready to perform immediately at a high level.
- Other recent Marseille signings:
- Nayef Aguerd: €23 million transfer from West Ham.
- Emerson Palmieri: left-back reinforcement.
- Facundo Medina: signed for €22 million, including bonuses.
Interest from other clubs
Before committing to Marseille, Pavard attracted interest from several European clubs. Tottenham made contact with Inter, while Manchester United and Barcelona also monitored the player’s situation. Outside Europe, Galatasaray from Turkey and Neom from Saudi Arabia showed interest, but Pavard prioritized staying in a competitive league, with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. Lille, Pavard’s former club, backed out due to the high cost of the operation, paving the way for Marseille to advance. The Phocéen club’s proposal, with a covered salary and an affordable buy option, proved decisive in outpacing competitors.
Expected impact at Marseille
If confirmed, Pavard’s arrival could transform Olympique de Marseille’s defense. His experience in high-pressure games, combined with his ability to play multiple positions, offers tactical flexibility to De Zerbi. Moreover, the return of a World Cup champion to Ligue 1 boosts the league’s visibility, which aims to solidify its status among Europe’s top competitions. Marseille fans, known for their passion, are already showing excitement on social media, with posts celebrating the potential signing of an international-caliber player. The expectation is that Pavard will bring stability to a defense that struggled early in the season, enabling the team to aim higher in Ligue 1 and European competitions.
- Expectations for Pavard at Marseille:
- Immediate defensive leadership.
- Improved ball-playing and defensive organization.
- Impact in matches against direct rivals like PSG.
- Potential to attract further high-profile signings.
Next steps and challenges
With the transfer window deadline approaching, Marseille’s priority is to finalize the paperwork to seal the deal. The verbal approval from Pavard and Inter suggests the agreement is on track, but time pressure remains a critical factor. If completed, the player is expected to undergo medical examinations in Marseille soon, with rapid integration into the squad anticipated. The challenge for Marseille will be managing Pavard’s high salary, estimated at €5 million net per season, though the agreement ensures the club covers this cost during the loan. The €15 million buy option, considered affordable for a player of Pavard’s caliber, gives the club flexibility to assess his performance before committing to a permanent deal.
Connection with fans and De Zerbi’s project
Pavard’s potential arrival also strengthens Marseille’s bond with its passionate fanbase, who see the player as a symbol of ambition. The Vélodrome stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere, is expected to welcome the defender warmly, especially given his history in French football. De Zerbi’s project, blending tactical intensity with experienced players, gains a major asset in Pavard, who could become the defensive cornerstone of the team. Pavard’s return to Ligue 1 also evokes memories of his time at Lille, where he emerged as a promising talent. Now more experienced, the player has the opportunity to cement his career at a club with significant projection and a demanding fanbase.
