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Olympique de Marseille have identified their priority target to strengthen their right attacking flank. Ilan Kebbal, a 26-year-old winger from Paris FC, is the subject of advanced discussions between the two clubs in early August 2026. The Phocaean club, orphaned by the departures of Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is looking to rebuild an attacking sector worthy of Roberto De Zerbi's ambitions.
The kid from Marseille comes home
Before exploding under the colors of Paris FC, the native of the Marseille region wore his first cleats at Burel FC, a neighborhood club, then at Marignane-Gignac Côte Bleue.
Ilan Kebbal is not a stranger in the Phocaean city. Before exploding under the colors of Paris FC, the native of the Marseille region wore his first cleats at Burel FC, a neighborhood club, then at Marignane-Gignac Côte Bleue. A transfer to OM would close a loop started on the dusty pitches of Bouches-du-Rhône.
Left-footed, quick, capable of cutting inside as well as going down the wing, Kebbal compiled eight goals and eleven assists last season in Ligue 2. These statistics caught the eye of top-flight recruiters well beyond the Vélodrome. Stade Rennais and RC Lens are also following the case, proof that the player's stock goes beyond mere Marseille interest.
Paris FC plays for time
Under contract until 2028, Kebbal represents a valuable asset for the Parisian club. The Parisian management, strengthened by the arrival of ambitious investors, has no obligation to sell and is letting it be known. The minimum price mentioned ranges between 10 and 12 million euros, a sum that reflects both the remaining contract duration and the competition among suitors.
For a player still playing in Ligue 2, the amount may seem high. But Paris FC is banking on the resale potential of a player whose value should only rise after a first season in the top flight. The strategy is clear: drive up the bidding until the last week of the transfer window.
De Zerbi wants a percussionist
Tactically, Kebbal's profile fits Roberto De Zerbi's requirements. The Italian coach demands wingers capable of creating imbalance in one-on-ones, combining in tight spaces, and providing significant defensive volume in pressing. The Parisian checks all three boxes.
Marseille has already recruited this summer, but they still lack that flank player capable of breaking down a low block—the kind of match OM lost too often last season against packed teams. Kebbal, with his dribbling quality and game reading, would bring an additional weapon to a team already well-equipped in midfield.
The coming days will be decisive
No formal offer has been submitted yet, but communication channels are open. The player's desire, eager to taste Ligue 1 with his hometown club, could accelerate the movement. On the other side, Paris FC knows that an eight-figure check would give them welcome latitude to strengthen a squad aiming for promotion. The question remains who, Marseille or one of its competitors, will be the first to put the right numbers on the table.