In a dramatic conclusion to one of the summer’s most pursued transfers, Benjamin Pavard has secured his move to Olympique Marseille from Inter Milan in a comprehensive loan agreement that includes full salary coverage and a €15m non-mandatory buy option clause. The 2018 World Cup winner’s return to French football represents a major coup for Roberto De Zerbi’s ambitious project at the Stade Vélodrome.
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Deal Structure: Comprehensive Loan Package
Marseille have reached a full agreement with Inter Milan for Pavard, structured around a season-long loan deal with an option to buy the versatile defender for €15m.
The French club will cover the player’s complete salary package, addressing initial concerns about wage compatibility that had threatened to derail negotiations.
| Transfer Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Deal Type | Season-long loan |
| Loan Duration | Until June 2026 |
| Buy Option | €15m (non-mandatory) |
| Salary Coverage | 100% by Marseille |
| Player Status | Verbal agreement confirmed |
The deal now hinges on the signing of documents, expected to be completed before the transfer window closes, marking the successful conclusion of intense deadline day negotiations that had appeared uncertain just hours earlier.
From Rejection to Agreement
The path to this agreement was far from straightforward. Initially, Inter Milan would only sell defender Benjamin Pavard to Marseille outright, and didn’t want to loan the Frenchman out, creating a significant structural impediment to the transfer. However, the dynamics shifted dramatically when Inter secured their replacement.
The Akanji Connection
Inter Milan, Marseille, and Man City are working on a double deal involving defenders Benjamin Pavard and Manuel Akanji, with Inter completing the acquisition of Akanji from City on loan with an option to buy set at €15 million. This interconnected transfer allowed Inter to greenlight Pavard’s departure, having secured an adequate replacement.
The Swiss defender’s arrival at San Siro proved to be the key that unlocked Pavard’s move to Marseille, demonstrating the complex nature of modern transfer negotiations where multiple deals often depend on each other.
Pavard’s Motivation and Career Context
Benjamin Pavard has given the green light to Olympique de Marseille to pursue his signature, signaling his enthusiasm for the project despite initial wage-related complications. The 29-year-old’s willingness to return to French football after nine years abroad reflects both his career ambitions and Marseille’s persuasive sporting project.
Statistical Profile and Playing Style
The French international brings substantial experience and versatility to Marseille’s defensive setup. His career statistics demonstrate consistent high-level performance across Europe’s top competitions.
| Pavard Career Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 29 years old |
| Position | Center-back/Right-back |
| International Caps | 58 for France |
| Major Trophy | 2018 World Cup Winner |
| Previous Clubs | Lille, Stuttgart, Bayern Munich, Inter |
Pavard’s ability to operate effectively in multiple defensive positions provides Roberto De Zerbi with tactical flexibility, while his experience in Champions League competition adds invaluable depth to Marseille’s European ambitions.
Marseille’s Defensive Revolution
This signing represents a significant statement of intent from Marseille as they continue their summer defensive overhaul. Marseille’s priority this summer has been to improve their defence, having already brought in CJ Egan-Riley on a free transfer from Burnley FC and Facundo Medina on loan from RC Lens.
The club’s comprehensive defensive restructuring reflects Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical requirements and the board’s commitment to providing him with the necessary tools for success. Pavard’s arrival alongside other defensive reinforcements creates genuine competition and quality depth.
De Zerbi’s Tactical Vision
Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as Marseille coach brought with it expectations of attractive, attacking football combined with tactical sophistication. Pavard’s ball-playing abilities and positional intelligence align perfectly with the Italian manager’s philosophical approach to the game.
The defender’s experience in possession-based systems, particularly during his time at Bayern Munich, makes him an ideal fit for De Zerbi’s methods. His ability to contribute to build-up play from deep positions will be crucial in implementing the coach’s tactical vision.
Financial Implications and Market Strategy
The loan structure with full salary coverage demonstrates Marseille’s financial pragmatism while maintaining ambitious sporting objectives. By covering Pavard’s complete wage package, the club shows serious commitment to the transfer while preserving flexibility for future planning.
Initially, Marseille could not sign Pavard on the wages that he earned at Inter, requiring him to lower his wages. However, the final agreement suggests a creative solution that satisfied all parties without requiring wage reductions.
Option to Buy Strategy
The €15m buy option provides Marseille with the opportunity to secure Pavard permanently if the loan proves successful. This structure allows the club to evaluate his integration and performance before committing to a long-term investment, while giving them first refusal on a proven international defender.
Inter Milan’s Perspective
From Inter’s standpoint, the Nerazzurri are poised to complete the double deal on the final day of the transfer window, having completed the acquisition of Akanji from City on loan with an option to buy set at €15 million. This simultaneous movement allows them to refresh their defensive options while managing wage commitments.
The Italian champions’ willingness to let Pavard leave on loan, having initially insisted on a permanent transfer, reflects their confidence in Akanji as a suitable replacement and their desire to provide game time for a player who had fallen down the pecking order.
Return to French Football
Pavard, who previously shone in Ligue 1 with Lille, returns to French football after notable stints at Bayern Munich and Inter. His homecoming represents both a personal and professional full circle, returning to familiar surroundings with enhanced experience and maturity.
The defender’s previous Ligue 1 experience, combined with his international pedigree, positions him as a natural leader in Marseille’s dressing room. His understanding of French football culture and language will facilitate quick integration into De Zerbi’s system.
Leadership Expectations
At 29, Pavard arrives at Marseille at the peak of his defensive powers, bringing valuable leadership qualities that complement his technical abilities. His World Cup-winning experience and Champions League pedigree provide inspirational examples for younger teammates.
Integration Timeline and Expectations
With the transfer completed on deadline day, Pavard’s integration into Marseille’s squad will be closely monitored. His versatility across defensive positions provides De Zerbi with immediate tactical options, while his experience suggests rapid adaptation to new systems.
The defender’s ability to contribute immediately will be crucial given Marseille’s European commitments and domestic ambitions. His presence should provide stability to a defense that has shown vulnerabilities in early season fixtures.
Championship Ambitions
This signing signals Marseille’s serious intent to challenge for major honors this season. The combination of De Zerbi’s tactical acumen and high-quality defensive reinforcements, spearheaded by Pavard’s arrival, creates optimism among supporters about the club’s prospects.
The World Cup winner’s experience in winning major tournaments at both club and international level brings invaluable mentality to a squad eager to restore Marseille’s status among European elite.
Read More: Nicolas Jackson Completes €81m Bayern Munich Transfer: Record €16.5m Loan Deal Finally Done
FAQs
What is the structure of Pavard’s move to Marseille?
Pavard joins on a season-long loan until June 2026, with Marseille covering his full salary and holding a non-mandatory €15m buy option for permanent transfer.
Why did Inter Milan initially refuse the loan proposal?
Inter Milan initially wanted only a permanent transfer but changed their stance after securing Manuel Akanji from Manchester City as Pavard’s replacement.
How does this signing fit Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical system?
Pavard’s ball-playing abilities and positional versatility align perfectly with De Zerbi’s possession-based approach and tactical flexibility requirements.
What other defensive signings have Marseille made this summer?
Marseille have also signed CJ Egan-Riley from Burnley, Facundo Medina on loan from RC Lens, and are completing the signing of Nayef Aguerd from West Ham.
Could this loan become permanent next summer?
Yes, Marseille hold a €15m option to buy Pavard permanently, though the clause is non-mandatory and will depend on his performance and the club’s assessment.
