Emerson Palmieri Set for Marseille Move as Clubs Finalize Talks

Olympique Marseille are close to signing left-back Emerson Palmieri from West Ham United. Both clubs are finalizing the details.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Marseille and West Ham have been in talks for Emerson Palmieri. Marseille need a left-back after Quentin Merlin joined Rennes. The 31-year-old has months left on his contract. It is believed that West Ham are willing to terminate his deal to let him leave for free. Palmieri has previously played in Ligue 1 during a loan spell at Lyon in 2021-22. Though Marseille were linked with a move for Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas, Palmieri has always been their priority, and the deal is now almost done.

WHY MARSEILLE NEEDS A LEFT-BACK

Since Merlin left, manager Roberto De Zerbi has had limited options. Amir Murillo and Ulysses Garcia have played in recent games, but neither has made his own. Despite missing out on the European spots last season, Marseille are attempting to finish in the top four. They started the new season with a loss to Rennes and a 5-2 win over Paris FC and are mid-table, three points behind the leaders. Marseille finished second in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, which highlights their ambitions this season as they rebuild under coach Roberto De Zerbi.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE TEAMS?

Marseille take on Lyon in their next match. Both sides will be hoping to compete for the top four after disappointment last season, and a win for either team could set the tone for the season. West Ham, meanwhile, were thrashed 3-0 by newly promoted Sunderland in their first game of the Premier League season and lost the second at home by 5-1 to Chelsea. With Palmieri on his way out, they could look to sign a replacement, especially considering they are set for a challenging season after finishing 14th in the Premier League last season and losing key players like Edson Álvarez.