Over the January transfer window, Claude Puel made one thing clear, and that was his need for a right-back at Leicester City.
Needing someone to cover for/start instead of Danny Simpson, the French manager turned to two targets in particular: Benfica’s André Almeida and Marseille’s Bouna Sarr.
As news of Leicester bids being rejected started rolling in, it quickly became apparent that the Foxes’ budget for that position was rather limited, with €5m the maximum that was offered for both.
The Marseille winger, who has been reconverted as a right-back by Rudi Garcia this season, was ‘flattered’ by the interest, but never actively pushed for a move, one that probably won’t happen anytime soon.
Speaking to RTL, relayed by Le10 Sport, the 26-year-old revealed his plans for the near future: “There’s a very good chance that I’ll be at Marseille next season. That’s my desire, at least”.
Of course, a lot will depend on how much clubs offer for him, if they do at all, but with a solid financial base thanks to Frank McCourt’s investments, the need to sell in the south of France isn’t as prominent.
That’s why, if Rudi Garcia still wants him, there’s a good chance Claude Puel will have to look elsewhere in the summer for a new right-back.
