Marseille transfer: 3 reasons Tochukwu Nnadi could leave in January

Olympique de Marseille’s decision to keep Tochukwu Nnadi this summer may only delay what looks like an inevitable exit, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles midfielder arrived at the Stade Vélodrome during the January transfer window for a reported €6 million, with high expectations surrounding one of Nigeria’s brightest midfield prospects. However, six months later, the 23-year-old is still searching for a genuine breakthrough.

French outlet Foot Marseillais recently highlighted Nnadi’s uncertain situation after he failed to feature in Marseille’s opening pre-season friendlies under new coach Bruno Genesio.

While the Nigerian opted against pursuing a summer exit, his lack of opportunities has reignited questions about his long-term future.

If the current trend continues, a January departure could become difficult to avoid.

3 reasons Tochukwu Nnadi could leave Marseille in January

1. Bruno Genesio has yet to show faith in him

The biggest warning sign that Nnadi has not played a single minute during Marseille’s pre-season preparations.

Pre-season is often where new managers evaluate fringe players and hand opportunities to those looking to establish themselves. Yet, despite arriving with considerable promise earlier this year, the Nigerian has remained on the sidelines.

That raises understandable concerns over where he sits in Genesio’s plans.

Under former coach Habib Beye, Nnadi struggled to establish himself after joining midway through the campaign. Many expected a managerial change to offer a fresh opportunity.

Instead, the early indications suggest his situation has barely changed. If Marseille begin the Ligue 1 season without involving him, regular football elsewhere is the only realistic option.

2. His development cannot afford another six months on the bench

At 23, Nnadi has reached a crucial stage of his career. This is the period when talented midfielders transition from promising prospects into established first-team players. Sitting on the bench for another half-season could significantly slow that progress.

Unlike experienced veterans who can afford to wait for opportunities, younger players, especially midfielders, require consistent competitive football to improve their tactical awareness, decision-making and confidence.

Nnadi already sacrificed valuable time after arriving in January. Repeating that scenario until next summer would likely cause a hit to both his market value and his long-term development.

A January loan, or even a permanent transfer, to a team where his growth is paramount would be the next route.

3. Super Eagles competition continues to intensify

International football presents another major consideration. Nigeria’s midfield options continue to expand, with established players like Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi and emerging talents like Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Christian Akpan all competing for places ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Without regular appearances for Marseille, Nnadi risks slipping further down the Super Eagles pecking order, particularly as other Nigerian midfielders continue to impress across Europe’s top leagues.

A move that guarantees first-team football would significantly strengthen his chances of remaining part of Nigeria’s long-term plans.

Will Marseille eventually cash in?

For now, Nnadi appears determined to fight for his place. The midfielder personally chose to remain at Marseille this summer, hoping to convince Bruno Genesio that he deserves a role in the squad.

However, football often moves quickly. Should his current lack of involvement continue into the opening months of the Ligue 1 campaign, both player and club may conclude that a January transfer represents the best solution.

Sometimes talent alone is not enough. Opportunity matters just as much, and unless Marseille begin offering Nnadi game time, a winter exit could become the next chapter in the Nigerian’s career, although that wouldn’t have been what the club or the player planned when the move happened in February.