Medhi benatia reveals his missed opportunity with a 2026 world cup star
The buzz around the 2026 World Cup is louder than ever, with eyes fixed on the action unfolding across the Americas. For Mehdi Benatia, the excitement is personal—his recent stint at Olympique de Marseille left him with a lingering regret over a promising talent he nearly signed.
Benatia’s second chapter at Marseille began in 2023 with high ambitions. Yet his tenure was short-lived. The club’s sporting director exited alongside the head coach and president following a dismal season that failed to meet expectations.
Behind the scenes at Marseille after his departure
Though Benatia is no longer officially part of the Marseille setup, his influence lingers. Insiders note that he remains involved behind the scenes, particularly in one high-profile transfer saga. The name on everyone’s lips? Mason Greenwood. Reports suggest a near-final agreement between the English winger and AS Roma, pending a deal between the two clubs. Marseille’s valuation of Greenwood, however, stands firm—between €50 million and €55 million—a figure that could complicate negotiations.
Benatia’s regret over a World Cup-bound talent
While the Greenwood transfer drama unfolds, Benatia’s focus shifts to the 2026 World Cup and a player he once tried to sign for Marseille: Neil El Aynaoui. The Moroccan international, who has played for Nancy and RC Lens, now turns out for AS Roma. Benatia, reflecting on the missed opportunity, describes El Aynaoui as a ‘versatile and high-quality performer’. ‘I was surprised he saw limited minutes at Roma, given his profile. Marseille pursued him, but the price tag proved prohibitive.’
