Grégory Lorenzi to become Marseille sporting director, replacing Mehdi Benatia this summer | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Grégory Lorenzi has decided to leave Brest to become Olympique de Marseille's new sporting director, replacing Mehdi Benatia this summer.

OGC Nice had long believed they were in pole position, but Lorenzi has opted for Marseille to give fresh impetus to his executive career.

After 10 years at Brest, where he oversaw the rise from Ligue 2 to the Champions League, the 42-year-old Corsican accepted approaches from OM and Stéphane Richard, who becomes president on 1 July.

He is expected in Marseille in the coming days to sign a more lucrative contract than Nice's offer. Uncertainties around Nice in Ligue 1 and over the medium term ultimately changed his mind.

Lorenzi has been persuaded by a project that hands him full control of the sporting department. With Habib Beye set to depart, he will also be able to appoint a head coach of his choice, preferably French.

As planned had he joined Nice, he will bring in his brother on recruitment as a scout, the role he has filled at Brest in recent seasons.

Source: L'Équipe