Marseille Set to Sign Italian Defender Luiz Felipe on Free Transfer

Olympique de Marseille is on the verge of acquiring Italian defender Luiz Felipe, 27, as a free agent. This development comes after the player’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad was terminated. Felipe is scheduled to arrive in Marseille on Monday, following the team’s Ligue 1 match against Le Havre.

The former Lazio and Real Betis centre-back is expected to commit to a contract lasting until 2026. Felipe had only joined Al-Ittihad in September 2023 from Real Betis in a transfer worth €22 million.

Marseille’s pursuit of a centre-back aligns with manager Roberto De Zerbi’s needs, as he has occasionally had to deploy midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia in defensive roles. The acquisition of Felipe also addresses the underwhelming performance of summer signing Lilian Brassier from Stade Brestois.

If completed, Felipe would mark Marseille’s first signing of the winter transfer window. Notably, this would be the second transfer from Saudi Arabia to Ligue 1 this season, following Seko Fofana’s move to Rennes.