Top European club puts their whole team up for transfer, even new players signed this summer
The winners of the first European Cup final in the Champions League era are about to face big challenges after missing out on next season’s tournament.
Ligue 1 giants Marseille were knocked out in the league stage of the 2025-26 competition. They’ve already lost their manager, and now they won’t be returning to the Champions League.
Habib Beye stepped in after Roberto De Zerbi left for Tottenham Hotspur, but Beye hasn’t been able to reach the same level of success.
Marseille has slipped down to sixth place, four points short of a Champions League spot, with just one game left against Rennes. This game is very important because Rennes, currently fifth, could finish with a spot in the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League.
Missing out on Europe’s top club competition could have serious effects on Marseille. Foot Mercato reports, “Without Champions League football next season, the club faces a big hole in its finances.”
Marseille made the Champions League in three of the last five years. Their whole financial plan depends on the money from this competition, and now that plan is in trouble.
The DNCG, which watches over the money side of French clubs, is worried about Marseille’s finances and will carefully check their plans.
By June 30, Marseille needs to sort things out or face penalties, including possibly being kicked out of the Europa League or Conference League if they qualify.
Foot Mercato adds, “An intense survival plan is happening. Marseille has to sell players before June 30, and the whole squad is up for sale.”
Luckily, Marseille should find buyers for some players despite the tough season. Captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 30, should bring in a good fee. Algeria’s striker Amine Gouiri and defenders Leonardo Balerdi and CJ Egan-Riley could also attract buyers.
Lastly, English forward Mason Greenwood, who still has three years on his contract, will likely move on to a new club.