Karl Toko Ekambi emerges as Marseille transfer target

Marseille are considering Karl Toko Ekambi as a potential attacking addition, with the club preparing for possible departures before making new signings. The Cameroon international is viewed as a financially accessible option and is open to returning to France. His arrival would depend on Marseille first reducing its wage bill and losing one or more forwards.

Toko Ekambi first played in Ligue 1 with Angers in 2016 and spent two seasons there before moving to Villarreal. Lyon later brought him back to France, where he featured in the club’s run to the 2020 Champions League semi-finals. His final period in Lyon became difficult after he drew criticism from supporters, and he left following a loan spell at Rennes.

The 32-year-old subsequently played in Saudi Arabia for Abha, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fateh before moving to Qatar. He scored five goals in nine matches for Al-Arabi and has been without a club for a month. Marseille’s interest appeals to him, and he is prepared to join the club if the conditions are met.

Coach Bruno Genesio has stressed that Marseille cannot recruit until its wage commitments fall. The club may need to replace attacking players such as Amine Gouiri or Igor Paixao, with Paixao already having an agreement with Sunderland. Toko Ekambi therefore fits Marseille’s current recruitment plan, but the next moves will be determined by departures.