The best signings of the Longoria era at Marseille ✨ | OneFootball

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 stood out for his penchant for transfers (perhaps too much) and his ability to attract big names. 

As we assess his tenure, we have selected the best recruits of the Spanish leader with OM.

Gerson (2021)

The first real major signing by 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.

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William Saliba (2021)

Struggling at Arsenal, where he couldn't find 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 named the best young player of Ligue 1 and was part of the team of the season.

A love story that lasted only a year, as the young player returned to Arsenal at the end of the season to become one of the best defenders in the world.

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Alexis Sanchez (2022)

In the summer of 2022, Pablo Longoria was looking for a striker who would fit the system of his new coach Igor Tudor. 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.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2023)

Following the departure of Alexis Sanchez, Marseille needed 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 completed a historic (first) season amid 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 marred the young Englishman's resume, Mason Greenwood's arrival bore fruit on the field.

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 as a surprise 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.

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