“We know that it is difficult to win at OM for an attacker. It’s true that we are talking with Genoa but there are other clubs who are interested. We are not interested in a dry loan and there are other situations to resolve between us and Genoa. That’s why communication is open,” Longoria said at a press conference.
This summer, OM have already loaned the Ukrainian Ruslan Malinovskyi to Genoa, with a purchase option. Vitinha arrived in Marseille a year ago as part of a transfer worth 25 million euros plus seven million bonuses, one of the largest in OM history. Since then, he has only scored six goals. Sunday, he again missed numerous opportunities against Monaco (2-2).
Longoria also sent a very clear message to Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye, who is reaching the end of his contract at the end of the season, and to his representatives.
“We have already offered two contract extensions this season. It’s true that he has trained very well since the summer (while he was suspended by Fifa, editor’s note) but as president, I have to defend the interests of the club,” explained Longoria. “By not responding, they are disrespecting the club. We hope that he finds a way out that is interesting for everyone before Thursday. It’s a question of respect for the club. We supported him, we covered the lawyer’s costs, we paid compensation to Watford,” he added.
“Players have rights, but we want players who are fully committed and with the right mentality. If a player is not fully mentally engaged, he has no place in this group,” the Spanish leader also explained in response to a question about the possibility of seeing Gueye left out of the group until the end of the season. season if he is not transferred or if he does not sign an extension this winter.
The Marseille president, on the other hand, opened the door to keeping Brazilian winger Luis Henrique at OM, who seemed destined for a new start in Brazil.