French giants Marseille are reportedly eager to bolster their squad depth with the acquisition of Super Eagles forward Moses Simon in the summer.
Simon has been a standout performer for Antoine Kombouaré's Nantes side this season, playing a crucial role in their battle to retain Ligue 1 status. His impressive contributions, including vital goals and assists, have been achieved while maintaining a composed and effortless playing style.
Despite a challenging season, with Marseille sitting second and trailing PSG by 22 points, Simon's presence on the wings could spark a tactical shift, offering vital depth as the team prepares for next season's UEFA Champions League participation.
Here, we outline four key reasons why Marseille are targeting Moses Simon.
Moses Simon: A low-cost transfer with big potential
One of the most attractive factors for Marseille in pursuing Simon is the potential to land the Nigerian winger on a relatively affordable deal. With his contract at Nantes set to expire in June 2026, the 29-year-old is entering the final year of his deal.
This, of course, gives the former European champions an opportunity to negotiate a price that reflects the current terms of his contract, potentially lowering the transfer fee significantly.
This cost-effectiveness would not only be beneficial for a club aiming to strengthen its squad across multiple areas, but it would also allow Marseille the flexibility to allocate funds elsewhere — especially for positions that are in dire need of reinforcements ahead of their potential return to Europe’s elite competition.
The return of the wing-play: A tactical shift for Roberto De Zerbi
Under the Italian manager, Marseille have undergone a tactical evolution, particularly with a shift from a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-4-3 system.
However, this change has come at a price. Without natural wingers, the team has struggled to create width and stretch opposition defences effectively. Simon’s arrival could directly address this tactical gap.
De Zerbi’s desire to return to a four-man defence next season would require the reintegration of wingers, and the Jos-born forward could be the perfect solution.
His pace, dribbling ability, and overall attacking threat could reinvigorate Marseille's offensive play, allowing them to move away from the restrictive 3-4-3 formation that has limited their attacking fluidity this season.
Moreover, Simon’s versatility makes him a valuable asset for Marseille, as he can excel in various roles, including traditional winger or wing-back, fitting well into their evolving tactics.
Modest wages and squad depth
Simon presents a cost-effective option for Marseille, with a reported weekly wage of €46,154 (Capology), significantly lower than many top wingers. His modest salary makes him an attractive choice for a club aiming to strengthen multiple areas ahead of a potential Champions League campaign.
Crucially, Simon wouldn’t need to be a guaranteed starter, offering Marseille valuable depth and flexibility in attack, while easing pressure typically placed on new arrivals in high-stakes competitions like Ligue 1 and Europe.
No adaptation needed for Moses Simon
Since arriving in Ligue 1 in August 2019—initially on loan from Levante—Moses Simon has made 152 league appearances, registering 32 goals and 36 assists, including seven goals and nine assists this season.
His spell at Nantes has given him a deep understanding of the league’s pace, physicality, and tactical demands. This wealth of experience would allow him to slot seamlessly into Marseille’s setup.
Unlike foreign arrivals, Simon’s familiarity with Ligue 1 makes him a dependable, ready-made asset for De Zerbi.
