Benjamin Pavard Joins Marseille on Loan With €16m Buy Option

Benjamin Pavard has moved from Inter Milan to Olympique de Marseille on loan until June 2026. The French club can buy him for €16 million, but it’s optional. The deal was finalized on the deadline day as Marseille seeks to strengthen their defense for the current season. This transfer aligns with Marseille’s strategy to improve their squad amid their ongoing challenges in Ligue 1.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Olympique de Marseille secured the signing of French defender Benjamin Pavard from Inter Milan on a season-long loan. The loan includes an option to buy for €16 million, giving Marseille the flexibility to decide at the end of the season whether to purchase the defender permanently or send him back to Inter Milan. Marseille will pay an initial loan fee of €2 million to sign Pavard. The World Cup and Champions League winner adds immense experience to the club’s defense, showcasing Marseille’s commitment to enhancing their roster as they aim for better performance in the league according to reports.

MARSEILLE AND INTER: SEASON SO FAR

Olympique de Marseille are struggling early in the Ligue 1 season, sitting in mid-table on the standings three games with only three points. The team has found it hard to keep clean sheets and now needs defensive stability to rise up the table as they look to improve their performance. Inter Milan, Pavard’s parent club, are off to a mixed start in Serie A. They currently sit mid-table as well after losing their second match of the season to Udinese, just three points off the current table-toppers after two matches. Marseille’s next match is crucial as they face off against relegation contenders Lorient, who lost at home to Lille in their last match by 7-1.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

The addition of Pavard indicates that Marseille are trying their best to climb up the table standings with a proven defender. If the World Cup winner performs well in Ligue 1, then he could earn a permanent deal at Marseille next summer. Otherwise, Pavard could return to Inter Milan, fight for his place in the Serie A giants, and search for a new club. Marseille are up against multiple hurdles, as their upcoming games against PSG and other top sides will determine whether they will be in the race for European qualification or find themselves battling with other clubs in the second half of the table. Their performance in these matches will be critical for the club’s aspirations this season.