You would think that any Champions League club would be interested in signing a player of Kevin De Bruyne’s caliber, but that doesn’t apply to Olympique Marseille. Club president Pablo Longoria spoke to the French press to reflect on the season and made it clear that the Belgian will not be moving to the French port city.
Olympique Marseille may be returning to Europe’s top competition next season, but their approach to squad building remains firmly rooted in caution, consistency, and respect for the team that earned them their Champions League ticket.
After securing second place in Ligue 1, Marseille have qualified directly for the newly formatted league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. This achievement not only restores the club’s position on the European stage but also guarantees a substantial financial windfall prize money, increased matchday revenue, and broader international exposure.
Despite this influx of resources, club president Pablo Longoria is taking a firm stance against reckless spending or headline-making transfers. His comments have made headlines themselves, particularly after addressing speculation about a potential move for Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. At 33, the Belgian maestro is approaching the end of his time in the Premier League and is expected to become a free agent this summer. Naturally, he is being linked with a host of top European and Saudi clubs, but Marseille will not be one of them.
Longoria was direct when asked about the De Bruyne rumors during a season wrap-up with the French press. He emphasized that Marseille will not pursue players whose arrival could disrupt the carefully crafted harmony within the squad. "If we bring in a player with a salary far higher than that of the players currently in our squad players who, let’s not forget, helped us reach the Champions League it would undermine all the positive momentum we’ve built this season," Longoria explained. His message is clear: team chemistry and internal respect take priority over star power.
It’s an approach that reflects Marseille’s broader strategy under Longoria's leadership, which has been characterized by smart scouting, calculated investments, and an emphasis on nurturing collective identity over individual fame. Unlike clubs that view the Champions League as a license to go on a spending spree, Marseille are focused on building sustainable success. “From the club’s perspective,” Longoria added, “it would be an absolute lack of respect toward the players who made this great season possible and who created this positive atmosphere.”
Indeed, Marseille’s qualification for the Champions League was not the result of one or two standout individuals, but rather the culmination of a collective effort. The squad has been shaped by hard-working professionals, many of whom are still entering their prime, and several rising talents who now find themselves on the radar of bigger clubs. For Longoria, rewarding their commitment and maintaining a sense of unity is more valuable than bringing in a superstar who might demand a salary multiple times higher than the current wage ceiling.
De Bruyne, while unquestionably one of the most talented midfielders of his generation, would command a hefty salary even as a free agent. His name has become synonymous with world-class vision, passing range, and tactical intelligence. However, Longoria’s view is that adding such a player under the current circumstances would destabilize the team both financially and emotionally. It would send the wrong message to the current core: that their achievements can be quickly overshadowed by marquee signings.
Moreover, the structure of the new Champions League format now featuring a league phase with guaranteed matches requires depth and cohesion more than ever. Clubs can no longer rely on isolated moments of brilliance; sustained team performance over multiple group-stage fixtures will be essential. For Marseille, success in Europe next season will depend not on individual fireworks, but on a tightly knit squad pulling in the same direction.
This philosophy also suggests that Marseille's transfer strategy this summer will be guided by practicality. Rather than targeting big names, the focus will likely remain on adding intelligent, system-fit players who can integrate seamlessly into the squad. It’s a long-term view that aligns with the club's ambitions of reestablishing itself as a regular Champions League presence, rather than a one-season wonder.
As for the European landscape itself, Marseille could be set for high-profile clashes in the league phase. PSV and Ajax are among the teams they could face, depending on the draw, adding another layer of excitement for fans. Feyenoord, meanwhile, will need to navigate the qualifying rounds in order to join Europe’s elite.
In an era where financial muscle often overshadows sporting integrity, Pablo Longoria’s approach offers a refreshing perspective. By valuing internal balance over external stardom, Marseille are sending a clear message: success built on respect and teamwork is worth more than chasing headlines. Whether this strategy pays off on the pitch remains to be seen, but the club’s identity is becoming increasingly clear measured, united, and determined to succeed on their own terms.
