Benjamin Pavard (29) joined Olympique de Marseille in the final hours of the summer transfer window. However, it is looking unlikely – as things stand – that OM will make his loan move from Inter Milan permanent, as per a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Despite making 29 appearances for Les Phocéens, the France international has struggled for form since arriving at the Vélodrome, and at times in recent weeks, he has seen himself drop to the bench. He didn’t feature at all against Paris FC, for example, and was benched for the key game against RC Lens.
As a result, OM are hesitant to trigger the purchase clause in the deal, worth €15m. Of course, that could yet change between now and the end of the season. But should Marseille opt against retaining Pavard, it would leave Inter Milan in a predicament, as they do not want to retain the defender due to his high salary.
Should he return to Northern Italy, Internazionale would, therefore, look to find another destination for the defender.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle