OM targets Simon Ngapandouetnbu as next No. 1

Marseille may have identified a solution to its unresolved goalkeeping position by considering a return for Simon Ngapandouetnbu. The Cameroon international, who never established himself with OM, has become a regular starter at Montpellier and is now under consideration as a future first-choice goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old joined Montpellier in 2025 after spending a season on loan at Nîmes. He has made a strong start to the current Ligue 1 campaign, keeping four clean sheets in six matches for the Hérault club. That form has brought him back into Marseille’s plans after the club failed to add another established goalkeeper during the summer.

Geronimo Rulli’s transfer to Manchester City left Jeffrey De Lange as OM’s main option. Théo Vermot and Ibrahim Gomis provide further cover, but neither has significant top-level experience. Ngapandouetnbu’s emergence at Montpellier therefore gives Marseille a possible short-term route to greater depth and competition in goal.

The club also retained a significant advantage when the goalkeeper moved away. Marseille owns 50% of his rights and holds priority to buy him back, meaning a future deal could require only half of his market value. That valuation is currently placed at €2.5 million, making the Montpellier goalkeeper an accessible option if OM decides to act.