Is Christophe Galtier a realistic option for OM while under contract in Saudi Arabia? | OneFootball

Christophe Galtier remains under contract in Saudi Arabia and retains the confidence of his Neom Sports hierarchy, so an immediate move to Marseille looks far from certain.

According to L'Équipe, the 59-year-old flew out of Riyadh at 21.00 on Friday to return to the south of France, prompting renewed talk of an OM reunion, the club where he was developed and debuted as a professional from 1982 to 1987.

As it stands, nothing is settled. After finishing eighth of 18 in the Saudi Pro League, a placing that secures Gold Cup qualification, Galtier has held a second meeting with president Meshari Al-Motairi, with another session planned within a week in France or Geneva to map out next season.

The outlook in the country could tighten. With the geopolitical situation worsened by the war in Iran, PIF funding may be redirected from football to national defence, potentially shrinking the Neom project, curbing blockbuster deals and shifting the focus towards sales.

Whether that nudges Galtier back to France remains unclear. His employers have not signalled a wish to end a collaboration begun on 5 July 2025. He is contracted until 30 June 2027 on a very high salary, so buying out his final year would be costly, unless a family-related release or another agreement is reached, which was not the tenor of recent talks.

OM’s new leadership could use his presence near Marseille to meet him discreetly. They have sought information on his contract and intentions without contacting him directly. Adi Hütter, 56, formerly of Monaco from 2023 to October 2025, and Bruno Genesio are thought to have been approached. Genesio, 59, is out of contract with Lille on 30 June, so would be free, a key factor given OM’s finances.

Source: L'Équipe