FFP regulations could mean that Marseille will be priced out of a move for Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham.
According to L’Equipe via French Football News, the Ligue 1 side signed a “rules agreement” with UEFA regarding potential FFP restrictions. The agreement means that Marseille cannot go over a €30m deficit over the last three seasons.
French Football News states that the latest Marseille accounts shows that they had a €78.5m deficit instead. That was as of June 30th. Therefore, the French giants must find around €50m in player sales over the next month to make sure they can’t be punished.
The Ligue 1 side also won’t have Champions League or Europa League football next season. Finding that money is going to be a struggle, and it should also put them off a move for Ntcham.
Celtic reportedly want around £12m for his services (Scottish Sun). But if Marseille decided to fork that out on him, it would just put them further in debt, something they surely wouldn’t entertain.
A boost for Celtic
This should come across as a boost for Celtic and Neil Lennon. After all, Ntcham isn’t a player who should just be disposed of without a moment’s thought. He’s a quality talent who could do with having private talks with Lennon to get his head straight.
The Scottish Sun reported earlier this month that Marseille, Lyon, and Porto were all interested in the midfielder. But with Marseille likely now out of the picture, Celtic would appear safe from bids. There has been no reported follow-up from either Lyon or Porto as of yet.
Whether that will change after the under-21 European Championships remains to be seen too. Ntcham came on as a sub against England in France’s first game on Tuesday night. Some impressive performances in the coming matches could bring some interest back upon Celtic, especially considering scouts of many clubs are likely to be at the competition in Italy.
But a move to Marseille is the only one Ntcham has spoken about personally. He claimed earlier this week that a move was possible, and labeled them a “big club” (RMC).
For now, however, it looks like a cross can be put through them given their current financial situation. All the better for Celtic.
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