The transfer of Benjamin Pavard to Olympique Marseille had a complex genesis, recounted last night by Medhi Benatia during the program ‘After Foot’ on RMC Sport. The sporting director of the French club revealed the behind-the-scenes details of a deal closed in the final moments of the summer window.
Ten days before the final gong, Benatia received a clear answer: the Frenchman would only be sold outright for 20 million euros, with a high salary to cover. A formula that made the deal impossible for Marseille’s finances. Then something changed: the negotiations between Manchester City and Inter for Akanji opened up an unexpected opportunity.
“I find out that City is willing to let Akanji go, who is negotiating with Inter,” explained the former defender. “If he arrives, it becomes a like-for-like swap, so Pavard at that point is on his way out.” At that point, Benatia got back in touch with Ausilio and Marotta, who had been his president, starting a more concrete negotiation. “I tell them: ‘I have no money for a transfer, I can’t pay for him. But I want him. The coach will definitely play him,’” the sporting director recounted.
The financial issue was resolved thanks to the player’s willingness. “I let them know that we can’t manage the salary unless there’s at least a small effort on his part,” he added. A sacrifice that the French defender accepted, as Rabiot had done in the past. In the end, the deal was closed as a loan, allowing Marseille to strengthen without immediate expenses.
