OM Mercato: Paixao’s future sparks Bouanga probe at Marseille
In the bustling Stade Vélodrome, club officials huddle over transfer dossiers as the summer window looms, weighing the uncertainty surrounding Igor Paixão’s future. The Olympique de Marseille board knows that a decision on the Brazilian winger could reshape their attacking line‑up, prompting an early scouting move.
Selon informations, OM has recently inquired about the feasibility of signing Denis Bouanga, the 31‑year‑old LA FC forward, should Paixão leave. Nothing has been finalised yet, and Le club does not want to be taken by surprise. The inquiry remains purely exploratory at this stage.
Igor Paixão’s situation is already animating the summer market, with Leeds also expressing interest in the Brazilian. OM’s hierarchy is already working on several contingency plans to anticipate a possible departure, underscoring the strategic importance of the winger.
Denis Bouanga currently plies his trade at Los Angeles FC in the United States. The former AS Saint‑Étienne winger, aged 31, knows Ligue 1 intimately and could bring speed, power and offensive efficiency to Marseille’s front line.
Bouanga’s profile matches OM’s needs if Paixão departs; the Gabon international can operate on either flank or cut inside toward the centre, offering valuable versatility for the French side.
Financially, the main obstacle lies with LA’s demand of roughly €4 million for a transfer. Moreover, Bouanga would need to slash his salary by a third to join OM, making the deal particularly challenging.
His contract runs until 2028, and LA FC does not intend to release him for free, insisting on the €4 million fee alongside the salary gap, which exceeds Marseille’s usual wage structure.
Last MLS season, Bouanga recorded 10 goals and five assists in 18 appearances, highlighting his consistent offensive output in North America.
Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang has also voiced positive remarks about the Marseille environment, adding a personal endorsement that could sway Bouanga’s interest in returning to Europe.
The Bouanga option remains directly tied to Paixão’s departure; OM will not accelerate negotiations until a concrete exit materialises. Even then, the club must negotiate a substantial salary reduction to bridge the financial divide, leaving the dossier realistic but dependent on future developments.