Olympique de Marseille internally considered terminating Matt O’Riley’s loan spell and sending the midfielder back to England during the winter transfer window, according to La Provence. However, ...
Olympique de Marseille internally considered terminating Matt O’Riley’s loan spell and sending the midfielder back to England during the winter transfer window, according to La Provence. However, the 23-year-old is now expected to remain at the club until the end of the season.The report states that Marseille president Pablo Longoria and sporting director Mehdi Benatia discussed the possibility of cutting the loan short amid concerns over O’Riley’s suitability for the club’s midfield needs. The two ultimately decided to give the Dane additional time, believing he deserves “a few more months to justify his recruitment”.
Since joining Olympique de Marseille, O’Riley has recorded one goal and five assists in 21 appearances across all competitions. While those attacking contributions are deemed acceptable, doubts reportedly remain over his defensive output.
Comparisons have been made internally with Adrien Rabiot, who left Marseille last summer. O’Riley averages fewer tackles, recoveries, and duels won per match than Rabiot did last season.
Marseille are understood to view the issue as one of profile rather than form, with O’Riley continuing in a role similar to the one he held at Brighton & Hove Albion. With limited solutions available in January, OM are expected to persist with the midfielder until the end of the campaign.GFFN | George Boxall
Category: General Sports
