Marseille Boss Rejects Nnadi Exit Rumours Amid Midfield Battle

Habib Beye has dismissed suggestions that Tochukwu Nnadi could leave Olympique de Marseille this summer, despite the Nigerian midfielder’s limited playing time. The 22-year-old joined the French giants from Zulte Waregem for €6 million in January but has struggled to break into a congested starting eleven. Since his arrival, Nnadi has managed only 26 minutes of Ligue 1 football across three substitute appearances. Beye insisted during a recent press conference that he remains satisfied with the player’s attitude and defensive work. The coach argued that Nnadi makes a very good impression and remains a long-term prospect for the club.

The path to the first team is blocked by an engine room containing eight competing options. Beye admitted that rotation is infrequent, given the tactical maturity required in his current system. He specifically praised Nnadi’s ability to press and his positional discipline without the ball. Within the squad, the Nigerian is already viewed as one of the most robust defensive profiles available to the technical bench. However, the manager has challenged Nnadi to improve his offensive contributions to survive in a two-man midfield.

Adaptation has proven difficult following the sudden departure of Roberto De Zerbi, the man who originally signed the midfielder. Nnadi must now adjust to Beye’s specific demands, which include injecting dynamism and making forward runs into the second line. Transitioning from a purely defensive breaker to a box-to-box threat is the current priority in his training regime. Beye noted that while some players integrate quickly, others require a slower burn to find their rhythm.

The timing of Nnadi’s development coincides with a high-stakes finish to the French season. Marseille sits in fourth place, trailing the Champions League qualification spots by a single point with six matches remaining. Every tactical selection carries immense weight as the club chases the financial windfall of Europe’s elite competition. Beye suggested that Nnadi will receive his opportunity once he proves he can balance his defensive steel with attacking intent. For now, the midfielder must wait for his moment in the shadows.

Management appears committed to the €6 million investment despite the lack of immediate returns on the pitch. The club views Nnadi as a defensive asset who provides necessary cover during a physically demanding campaign. Rumours of a summer departure are premature, according to the coaching staff. Beye intends to continue working closely with the player to ensure he meets the physical and technical standards of the French top flight.