Former Olympique de Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has indicated he would be open to joining Paris Saint-Germain in a future role, should the opportunity arise. The Moroccan made the comments during an appearance on the YouTube show 'The Bridge' with Aurélien Tchouaméni, Paul Pogba, and Soprano, while still employed by Marseille, according to Actu Foot.
Benatia stated that if a project requiring his return to football emerges in three to five years, and Nasser al-Khelaïfi, the PSG president, expresses a need for his services, he would consider a position with the Parisian club. He dismissed the intense rivalry between Marseille and PSG as irrelevant to his potential decision, asserting, “I don’t owe anyone anything!”
Benatia’s tenure as sporting director at Marseille was widely regarded as unsuccessful, marked by a challenging season and ultimately leading to his departure. He was appointed to the role in August 2022, tasked with reshaping the club’s transfer strategy and improving on-field performance. However, the club struggled to consistently deliver results, and Benatia faced criticism for several transfer decisions.
The potential for Benatia to join PSG represents a significant shift, given the historical animosity between the two clubs. Al-Khelaïfi has overseen a period of significant investment and success at PSG, establishing them as a dominant force in French football and a consistent contender in the Champions League. Should Benatia eventually join the club, it would likely be in an administrative or directorial capacity, leveraging his experience in player recruitment and football operations. The comments have already drawn reaction from Marseille supporters, given his recent position with their club.
While the possibility remains speculative at this stage, Benatia’s willingness to consider a move to PSG highlights his ambition and desire to remain involved in high-level football. It also suggests a pragmatic approach, prioritizing professional opportunities over club loyalties.
