Bruno Genesio warns Marseille over perilous transfer window

Marseille face the final days of the transfer window without the freedom to strengthen their squad, leaving Bruno Genesio concerned about the club’s ability to compete in Ligue 1 and the Europa League. The coach said the financial constraints confronting the club were considerably greater than he had expected before taking charge.

Genesio spoke before Marseille’s trip to Monaco, with the French market due to close on September 1 at 19:59. The club had made no signing by August 29, despite allowing several regulars from last season to leave. Facundo Medina, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Geronimo Rulli and Mason Greenwood are among those who have departed, with the sales aimed at improving Marseille’s finances and lowering its wage bill.

The club must make further reductions before it can register another player. Sporting director Grégory Lorenzi has also indicated that selling one player does not automatically give Marseille permission to replace him. That leaves the club needing several departures in the closing hours of the market before any arrival becomes possible.

Igor Paixao, one of Marseille’s strongest performers at the start of the season, could also leave, with Sunderland monitoring him. Genesio must therefore prepare for a campaign on two fronts while the squad remains subject to further exits and the club works within its financial obligations to French and European authorities.