Olympique Marseille Push to Land Edon Zhegrova from Lille

Olympique Marseille are making a strong effort to sign winger Edon Zhegrova from Lille. A big offer is now on the table as they continue talks. The French giants want to finalize a deal before the transfer window closes.

WHAT HAPPENED?

At the start of August, Marseille began negotiating with Lille for Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova, who has become one of Lille’s top attackers since joining the club from Basel almost three years ago. The 26-year-old has scored 26 goals and provided 17 assists in 107 appearances since moving to France but has struggled to maintain consistent form. Recent reports confirm that Zhegrova hasn’t played for Lille since December 14, 2024, due to injuries and team changes.

Indeed, Zhegrova began the 2024-25 season well with eight goals and two assists in 22 matches, but an injury in December hampered his momentum. With his contract set to expire in 2026 and no extension yet agreed, Lille are now open to allowing Zhegrova to leave, valuing the forward at €15 million plus €5 million in bonuses. Recent reports suggest Marseille are considering an initial loan with an obligation to buy the Kosovo international at the end of the season, reflecting ongoing negotiations over the final structure of any potential deal.

Zhegrova is said to be attracted by Marseille’s project under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, but Lille are weighing up the prospect of keeping the forward after strong summer sales elsewhere in the squad.

WHY ZHEGROVA MATTERS TO MARSEILLE

Marseille reached the Champions League spots last season, when they finished in 2nd place in the Ligue 1. Now, on the back of a summer squad overhaul, their aim is clear: to return to Champions League football competition and to climb back up the league table. Zhegrova’s creativity and flair could answer their need for more attacking options. His ability to beat defenders and create chances would complement Marseille’s up-tempo style. Marseille is rebuilding under coach Roberto De Zerbi after finishing second in Ligue 1, which now offers Champions League football this season.

However, while his talent is undoubted, there are some concerns over Zhegrova’s temperament, as GOAL first reported. De Zerbi is a manager known for demanding discipline and commitment. Club executives nevertheless see Zhegrova as a player who could quickly become a fan favourite at the Stade Velodrome, with De Zerbi also hopeful of bringing in his fellow countryman Diogo Brazzoli.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Marseille will open their Ligue 1 campaign next week against Rennes, a team that finished sixth last season and harbours similar ambitions to challenge for the European places again. Marseille continue to finalise squad changes to close the gap to the league’s top sides, such as PSG and Monaco. If a deal for Zhegrova is reached soon, he could feature early in the campaign and add immediate firepower to a side aiming to return quickly to Europe.