Key Takeaways:
- Olympique de Marseille have decided not to sign Benjamin Pavard permanently after his season-long loan
- Inter were prepared to reduce the €15m buy option, but OM are still unwilling to proceed
- Pavard featured regularly under both Roberto De Zerbi and Habib Beye, but did not meet expectations
Pavard’s Loan Tenure Fails to Impress at the Vélodrome
Benjamin Pavard’s season on loan at Olympique de Marseille failed to provide the defensive solidity and composure the club had anticipated when securing his services last summer. Despite being brought in as a seasoned World Cup winner to shore up OM’s back line, Pavard’s impact ultimately fell short of the club’s hopes, leading to disappointment amongst the management at the Vélodrome.
🔹Après plusieurs prestations décevantes cette saison, l'avenir de Benjamin Pavard 🇫🇷 devrait s'écrire loin de Marseille.
Malgré une option d'achat de 15M€ négociable avec l'Inter, l'OM ne souhaiterait pas le conserver. (RMC)#TeamOM #MercatOM pic.twitter.com/0Hovx70z47
— MercatOM (@Mercat_OM) April 8, 2026
Inter’s Efforts to Facilitate Transfer Yield No Success
Pavard initially joined Marseille on loan from Inter, who were eager to find the Frenchman a new club ahead of the current campaign. Although he gained substantial playing time under managers Roberto De Zerbi and Habib Beye, reports indicate his displays have consistently underwhelmed club officials. Inter attached a €15m purchase option to the deal and Corriere dello Sport states the Italian club were even willing to lower the fee to aid the permanent transfer. Nevertheless, Marseille have opted against securing his signature for the long term, regardless of the price reduction.
| Player | Current Club | Loan Club | Loan Option Fee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Pavard | Inter | Marseille | €15m (offered at reduced price) | Permanent deal declined |
Uncertain Future for France International
With Marseille unwilling to keep Pavard beyond his loan spell and Inter lacking interest in his return, the defender now faces an unclear future. The 30-year-old France international is expected to seek opportunities elsewhere as neither of his current employers are prepared to retain him for the coming season.
