Medhi Benatia admits failed attempt to sign world cup 2026 talent for marseille

All eyes are on the American continent as the 2026 World Cup unfolds. Medhi Benatia, fresh from a turbulent stint at Olympique Marseille, is among those watching closely. He had hoped to bring a promising young foreign talent to the club but ultimately failed.

Benatia leaves OM, but not entirely

The story had promise. Benatia, who grew up in Marseille without ever playing professionally for the club, returned in 2023 to build an ambitious project. It did not last long, however. The sporting director left his post a few months after Roberto De Zerbi and Pablo Longoria, following a disastrous season at OM.

But the chapter is not fully closed. Benatia continues to work for OM behind the scenes, particularly on the major transfer of Mason Greenwood. The winger is very close to joining AS Roma this summer. An agreement has reportedly been reached between the player and the Italian club, but the crucial part remains: an accord between the two clubs. Marseille is demanding between €50 million and €55 million for the English winger, and negotiations are far from straightforward.

“I tried to bring him to Marseille, but he was too expensive”

In the meantime, Medhi Benatia keeps a close eye on the 2026 World Cup, where a player he once tried to lure to OM is shining. That player is Neil El Aynaoui, a Moroccan international who previously played for Nancy and RC Lens and now represents AS Roma. “He is a very solid player because he combines quality and quantity,” the former Marseille man explained. “I did not understand why he played less at Roma than I expected. I tried to bring him to Marseille, but he cost too much.”