Walid Acherchour warns Paixao sale could hurt Marseille

Walid Acherchour has described a possible Igor Paixao departure as a damaging outcome for Marseille, arguing that a late sale could leave the club without its main attacking asset or enough time to replace him. His warning comes as OM faces pressure to sell players before the transfer window closes.

Marseille owner Frank McCourt has instructed the club to make sales, placing Paixao at the centre of the final days of the window. The Brazilian winger remains at OM for now after Sunderland submitted an offer below the €40 million Marseille had hoped to receive. Acherchour believes the failure to move Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Kevin Aguerd has made Paixao the priority sale because of his salary and market value.

The concern goes beyond losing a key attacker. If Paixao and Timber leave late, Marseille could be unable to register incoming players, while potential recruits Jean-Clair Todibo and Yann Gboho may not remain available until the final hours. Acherchour also questioned a possible €30 million sale, particularly after Morgan Rogers, Yan Diomandé and Savinho changed clubs for between €90 million and €135 million. Marseille paid Feyenoord €30 million for Paixao a year ago. Coach Bruno Genesio wants the winger to stay, especially with little time to find a replacement.