In what shouldn’t come as a surprise to most Swansea fans who follow their transfer news through us, Bafétimbi Gomis is very close to leaving the Welsh club, at least on a temporary basis.
According to La Provence on Monday, the French striker is in advanced talks regarding a loan move to Marseille in Ligue 1 (without an option to buy), and the local newspaper claim it could be made official today.
Despite having offers from China, West Ham or Sunderland, which would have made for an easier transfer, the player pushed desperately for a return to France after hearing of Marseille’s interest.
While the Frenchman’s wages appeared to be a problem at first, it seems the financially unstable Ligue 1 side managed to find some money at the bottom of the coffer to pay 60% of Gomis’ wages, or £50k of his £80k/week salary.
Swansea were reportedly prepared to contribute more, but La Provence state Huw Jenkins and co. decided against this and tested Marseille’s desperation by asking them for 60%.
It seemingly worked, and Gomis will now be Marseille’s best paid player, ahead of their biggest remaining star Lassana Diarra.
More than anything, Marseille’s ability of attracting a player like Gomis should also help future transfers, as La Provence report a few of the club’s targets now feel reassured that his arrival might mean better things for the French side and convinced them to seriously consider a move to the south of France.
If Barcelona are more than just a club, it seems Gomis is more than just a signing.
