French giants Olympique Marseille are reportedly looking to sign Nigerian international Moses Simon in the upcoming summer transfer window, aiming to add depth and tactical flexibility to their squad ahead of a return to UEFA Champions League action.
Simon has emerged as one of Nantes’ most influential players under Antoine Kombouaré, playing a key role in their fight for Ligue 1 survival. Known for his composed dribbling, quick pace, and ability to both score and assist, the Super Eagles forward has notched seven goals and nine assists so far this season, proving his worth despite a turbulent campaign.
A major appeal for Marseille in pursuing Simon lies in the potential affordability of the transfer. With his current contract at Nantes set to expire in June 2026, the 29-year-old is entering the final year of his deal—a strategic opportunity for Marseille to negotiate a reduced transfer fee.
As noted in a 9am News report, Simon’s relatively modest weekly wage of €46,154 (according to Capology) also makes him a financially smart acquisition for Marseille, especially with multiple squad positions needing reinforcements.
This economical option would allow the club to balance its budget while adding vital experience and depth for next season’s European campaign.
Under Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille has shifted tactically, transitioning from a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation to a more compact 3-4-3 system. While this change has shored up certain areas, it has also exposed a glaring weakness: a lack of natural width.
Simon could help fix that. His ability to play as a winger or wing-back gives De Zerbi the option to reintegrate width into Marseille’s attack, allowing a possible return to a four-man defence in the new season.
The Nigerian winger’s versatility and high work rate make him an ideal candidate to fill tactical gaps without being limited to a single role, giving the team more flexibility in adjusting its formation based on the opposition.
Since moving to Ligue 1 in 2019, initially on loan from Spain’s Levante, Simon has made 152 league appearances, contributing 32 goals and 36 assists. His deep familiarity with the pace, physicality, and tactical intensity of the league ensures he would require no adaptation period—a major advantage over foreign arrivals.
This plug-and-play reliability could be invaluable for Marseille as they aim to compete on multiple fronts next season, including the high-pressure environment of the UEFA Champions League.
Simon’s arrival would also ease the burden on Marseille’s frontline without demanding an immediate starting role. His experience and tactical intelligence would make him a trusted option off the bench or as a rotation player, providing depth while maintaining team balance during long campaigns.
For a club that has struggled with inconsistency and narrow tactical options, his inclusion could be a turning point in the squad’s evolution.
With affordability, Ligue 1 experience, and tactical versatility all on his side, Moses Simon represents a smart and strategic target for Marseille. As the club looks ahead to a grueling season that could include Europe’s elite competition, adding a player of Simon’s calibre and experience could prove a decisive move.
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