Benjamin Pavard has officially announced his departure from Olympique de Marseille upon the completion of his loan agreement. The French defender is slated to return to Inter Milan, where his future remains uncertain, with indications pointing towards the end of his tenure with the Nerazzurri.
Pavard joined Marseille on the final day of last summer’s transfer window and concludes his time with the club after their last league match, a 3-1 victory against Rennes.
His stint in the south of France was largely disappointing. Marseille has decided not to exercise their €15 million purchase option, making them the second club in the same season to forgo a permanent transfer, following Nottingham Forest’s similar decision earlier in the campaign.
Pavard’s Emotional Farewell to Marseille as Inter Future Hangs in the Balance
Taking to Instagram, Pavard expressed his gratitude and conveyed warm sentiments despite what has been a challenging professional year.
“Wearing this shirt will remain an unforgettable experience in my career and in my life,” he stated. “I always strived to give my all on the pitch and to represent this club with respect and dedication. I depart with a mix of emotions, valuable lessons learned, and the memory of a dressing room that remained united until the very end. Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and everyone who supported us this season. I wish Marseille all the best for the future.”
This gracious farewell contrasts with the stark reality. Pavard is set to return to Inter with a contract worth €5 million per season, valid until 2028, making him a costly and difficult asset to transfer.
The club has already informed the defender that his future does not lie at Appiano Gentile, and the coming weeks will be dedicated to finding a new club for him.
With his reputation somewhat tarnished by a challenging 18 months and his market value considerably lower than when he joined from Bayern Munich in 2023, the options available to him may be more limited than he had anticipated.
