Sturm Graz and Rennes face off this Wednesday at the Stadion Graz-Liebenau in UEFA Europa League. Sturm Graz mark their 16th participation in the competition, whilst Rennes go into their 9th.
Last time out, Sturm Graz triumphed 2-1 against LASK Linz (Austrian Bundesliga Grunddurchgang 2026/27). In their last game, Rennes won 1-0 against Marseille (Ligue 1 2026/27).
Emran Soglo - Hamstring Injury
Axel Kayombo - No Eligibility
Szymon Wlodarczyk - No Eligibility

#last #wednesday

Ligue 1 McDonald's, Matchday 4, 11/09/26
Adrien Thomasson's second-half goal is enough for Rennes to secure a third straight win to go top of Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Bruno Genesio's Marseille woes deepened with a third consecutive loss.
The Match
Marseille returned to Rennes' Roazhon Park for the first time since the infamous dressing room brawl between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe. So much has changed since for Les Phocéens, including the manager with Bruno Genesio making his return in Brittany after coaching Les Rouge et Noir between 2021 and 2023. Both teams were on opposite momentums. Rennes were targeting top spot whereas Marseille looked to avert a third straight Ligue 1 loss.
Still, Marseille put on a good show in the first half, playing with the handbrake off but without losing team structure. Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg pulled the strings from midfield, and Marseille's wide men put Rennes on the backfoot. Up front, the hosts were toothless. The attackers looked like they played together for the first time, leaving Estéban Lepaul in no man's land.

#first #adrien #bruno

Uefa has banned Fenerbahce midfielder Matteo Guendouzi for his team's opening two Champions League fixtures following a series of provocations and insults during a chaotic play-off victory away at Lyon last month.
The 27-year-old, previously a player for Lyon's major rivals Marseille, found himself at the centre of unrest before and after Fenerbahce's 2-1 win on 26 August, which included a mass brawl.
The victory secured the Turkish side a place in the Champions League for the first time in 18 years. Guendouzi, who previously made 82 appearances for ****** nal between 2018 and 2020, is set to sit out Fenerbahce's home encounter against Roma next Thursday alongside their trip to Aston Villa on 14 October.
He will be available for Fenerbahce's final six games in the league phase of the Champions League, starting with his side's match against Slavia Prague on 20 October.
Disciplinary verdicts released late on Friday detailed charges against Guendouzi for violating decent conduct rules, "insulting players or others present at the match" and provoking spectators.

#league #previously #uefa

Beyond the defeat to AS Monaco last Sunday, it was a bad way for Olympique de Marseille, who lost two players to injury. Geoffrey Kondogbia suffered a muscular injury and, as confirmed by Bruno Genesio, won't be fit to face Paris FC this weekend.
Tochukwu Nnadi sustained a more serious injury. The Nigerian only came on at half-time but did not see out the match. He withdrew with what looked to be a serious knee injury. An ACL injury was feared. The injury is indeed serious, and it is suspected that it is an ACL. Speaking to La Provence, Nnadi's agent revealed that many consultants advised immediate surgery.
However, he has opted against surgery in order to ensure a quicker return. "We are aware of the risks. We know that he could feel pain. We know that it won't be easy, but it is Nnadi's decision," said his agent, who added that the midfielder "could not abandon OM at such a time".
Genesio is lacking options in midfield. Speaking on Friday, he revealed that he had tested full-back Ulisses Garcia in the position.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#won 't

RB Leipzig have announced that Arthur Vermeeren has joined Royal Antwerp on loan.
The Belgian midfielder will spend the remainder of the 2026/27 season at his former club.
Vermeeren came through the ranks at Royal Antwerp before joining Atlético Madrid in January 2024.
Six months later, he moved to Leipzig on an initial loan deal, which was later made permanent.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Olympique de Marseille.

#vermeeren #later #madrid

ISTANBUL (AP) — Mattéo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood have been charged by UEFA over alleged provocations of Lyon fans at a Champions League qualifying playoff, their club Fenerbahce said Thursday.
Both players have played for Lyon's French rival Marseille and were seen making offensive gestures last week. Fenerbahce won 2-1 in the second leg at Lyon to advance to the Champions League main phase for the first time in 18 years.
Guendouzi raised his middle finger to Lyon fans during the warmup and after the game and shouted "Allez l'OM" ("Go Marseille"), also grabbing his crotch, in wild post-match scenes. He said Lyon fans insulted his family before and during the game.
It was unclear if UEFA's disciplinary judges will sanction the players before Fenerbahce opens the Champions League main phase next Thursday, hosting Roma. Fenerbahce's second game is at Aston Villa on Oct. 14.
Fenerbahce did not specify the charges against Guendouzi and Greenwood though it said it will "protect the rights and interests" of them and the club.

#fenerbahce #league #fans #game

In a summer of highly-inflated transfer fees, value has become increasingly hard to determine.
On one hand, the Iliman Ndiaye is a player of superlative skill, evasive, quick and wonderfully entertaining with the ball at his feet.
Ndiaye was responsible for 73 of Everton's 250 completed dribbles last season, the highest share of any Premier League player.
Everton fans may also point to recent moves in the Premier League involving Manchester City, such as the sale of Savio to Tottenham for an initial £75m, as further evidence that the club should have demanded more for Ndiaye.
On the other hand, Everton are effectively quadrupling the initial £16m they paid Marseille to sign Ndiaye two years ago for a player whose underlying numbers, at this stage at least, are not truly elite.

#premier #everton #hand #manchester

Crystal Palace have signed Netherlands international midfielder Quinten Timber (25) from Marseille, both clubs have announced. Jurriën Timber's twin brother has signed a five-year deal with the Eagles. Palace have struck a reported €20m agreement with OM, who were in dire need to free up funds through player sales. Les Phocéens have gone the entire summer transfer window without making a single signing. Having joined OM from Feyenoord for €4.5m last winter, Timber has made 17 appearances in the white and blue since his arrival.
The 13-capped Netherlands international was part of Ronald Koeman's 2026 World Cup squad, and featured twice for his national side in America this summer. "With vast experience of representing his club and country at the highest level, Quinten is a player whose leadership, tenacity and ability we are confident will flourish in the Premier League", said Palace chairman Steve Parish. Timber could make his Premier League debut this weekend against Fulham FC.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#timber #quinten #premier #summer

Promoted Premier League side Hull City FC have signed French winger Robinio Vaz (19) from AS Roma on loan, both clubs have announced. The former Olympique de Marseille forward's loan move includes a €30m buy option clause. Vaz will play for a third different club in the span of seven months. The player initially left Marseille for Roma in a €22m deal back in January. But Vaz's Italian spell won't live long in memory. He only made 14 appearances in all competitions, logging one goal.
Foot Mercato reported that several clubs accross Europe were interested in Vaz, including Ligue 1 side FC Lorient as well as Bundesliga and Eredivisie side. Eventually, Vaz will join the Tigers, who have made a remarkable return to the Premier League with two wins in as many games, against Manchester United and Coventry City FC. Vaz could make his Premier League debut on Saturday with Hull City hosting Aston Villa.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#league #side #roma

Talks between Olympique de Marseille and Crystal Palace for the transfer of Quinten Timber resumed on transfer deadline day. The Dutchman now looks set for a move to Selhurst Park, as per a report from RMC Sport.
Believing that the depth and quality of their midfield is sufficient, OM's management – who continue to seek funds to meet the financial constraints imposed by the National Directorate for Financial Control (DNCG) – are said to have opened the door to the departure of the Dutchman.
Talks regarding a transfer worth over €18m have been ongoing, alongside those being conducted by the Eagles – as well as Sunderland – in an attempt to finalise the deal for Malick Fofana (21). The Belgian could instead now be heading to the Black Cats.
Having joined OM from Feyenoord for €4.5m last winter, Timber has made 17 appearances in the white and blue since his arrival. RMC Sport now understands that Timber is close to completing a move to Crystal Palace with little time remaining before the closure of the transfer window.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#timber #talks #olympique

Manchester City have completed the signing of Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye in a deal worth up to £65 million.
The Senegal international has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad after spending the past two seasons with Everton, where he made 74 appearances and scored 21 goals.
City will pay £60m up front, with a further £5m available in add-ons. The 26-year-old arrives with plenty of Premier League experience and can operate either on the wing or through the middle, giving Enzo Maresca another versatile attacking option.
Ndiaye previously impressed with Sheffield United during their 2022/23 promotion campaign, registering 15 goals and 11 **** ists in the Championship. He also spent a season with Marseille before returning to England in 2024.
The forward has earned 44 caps for Senegal and featured at both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, scoring once and providing two **** ists at the latter tournament.

#city #senegal #assists #manchester

Olympique de Marseille and Crystal Palace are reported to have reopened negotiations regarding a potential transfer of Quinten Timber (25), according to information from L'Équipe.
Believing that the depth and quality of their midfield is sufficient, OM's management – who continue to seek funds to meet the financial constraints imposed by the National Directorate for Financial Control (DNCG) – are said to have opened the door to the departure of the Dutchman.
Talks regarding a transfer worth over €18m are reportedly underway, alongside those being conducted by the Eagles in an attempt to finalise the deal for Malick Fofana (21).
Having joined OM from Feyenoord for €4.5m last winter, Timber has made 17 appearances in the white and blue since his arrival.
An international, the Utrecht-born player has earned 13 caps (one goal) for the Netherlands. Under contract with Marseille until 2030, he is valued at around €25m by the specialist website Transfermarkt.

#financial #olympique

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly set to sign Ethan Nwaneri from English champions ****** nal to replace Giannis Konstantelias who is out injured for many months.
News reports on Tuesday said that Nwaneri is to play on a season-long loan at the Bundesliga runners-up.
Konstantelias ruptured the cruciate knee ligament in Saturday's league match against SV Hamburg and will not be able to play for a long time. He had arrived recent from PAOK in his native Greece.
Nwaneri, 19, came through ****** nal's academy and has played 51 first-team matches for the Gunners, scoring 10 goals and providing two ****** ists. He played on loan at Olympique Marseille last season.
A potential deal must be finalized on Tuesday as the Bundesliga transfer window closes at 8pm (1800 GMT).

#season

Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of France international Manu Koné (25) on deadline day, according to a report from Foot Mercato.
It was previously reported this summer that Koné would be keen to join a major Premier League side. The 25-year-old notably impressed with a couple of eye-catching performances for France at the 2026 World Cup. Manchester United were said to be keen on signing him, until they eventually opted to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
L'Equipe reported on Monday that Chelsea target Lamine Camara, who ran the show last night against Marseille, was actually the Blues' plan B should they fail to land their priority target. It would seem that Koné is the priority, with interest in Camara cooling over the course of the past 24 hours.
Attempts to sign Koné are now being stepped up, Foot Mercato understands. Chelsea have officially made contact with AS Roma. Talks are now ongoing.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#sign

Sunderland have yet to conclude a deal to sign Igor Paixao (26) from Olympique de Marseille, and according to a report from Sacha Tavolieri, they now face competition for the Brazilian's signature.
Paixao joined OM from Feyenoord last season for a €30m fee and, just 12 months later, the Brazilian could leave. Marseille and Sunderland are in talks regarding a transfer for the forward, although there is not yet any agreement between the clubs. There are also talks between the Premier League side and Paixao's representatives. Get French Football News understands that the player's representatives were in London for talks on Thursday.
OM cannot close the door to a departure, even if Bruno Genesio is desperate to retain the player, the only recognised senior left-winger in the squad. The chances of Paixao leaving have now increased, even if Sunderland are no closer to concluding a deal. He is seen as an option for Al-Ittihad, should the Saudi side fail to wrap up a deal for Ritsu Doan.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#paixao #deal #talks #even

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has explained why Roma were able to pinch Marten De Roon from Atalanta in such quick fashion, has commented on the recent arrival of Leonardo Balerdi, but denies that there have been any formal approaches for Matias Soule.
The Giallorossi are having a busy end to the summer transfer window, with De Roon on his way over from Atalanta to reunite with Gasperini, and with the arrival of Balerdi from Marseille. Additionally, Neil El-Aynaoui looks set to join RB Leipzig, Soule has been linked with a move to the Premier League, while Gasp says that he still wants another two additions before the close of the summer transfer window on September 1.
Official: Leonardo Belardi holds up his Roma shirt after joining the club on loan with an option to buy from Marseille (via www.asroma.com)
Gasperini had an opportunity to discuss Roma's transfer business during his pre-match press conference on Sunday, ahead of his side's upcoming league clash away against Lecce on Monday evening.
"It was something that came about quickly," said Gasperini, discussing Roma's deal for long-term Atalanta servant De Roon.

#roon #transfer #marseille #league

Roma have officially announced their signing of Argentine centre-back Leonardo Balerdi on loan with an option to make the move permanent from Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille.
Balerdi has joined Roma on an initial season-long loan deal at a cost reported to be worth €1m, with an option to buy that is likely to become an obligation to buy for an additional €15m.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Leonardo Balerdi of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old had his medicals with the Giallorossi on Saturday after arriving at Ciampino Airport in the late afternoon.
He becomes Roma's fifth new first-team signing of the summer transfer window following the previous arrivals of Santiago Castro from Bologna, Rodrigo Mora from Porto, Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg and Nahuel Molina from Atletico Madrid.

#signing

Despite strong links with a move to Chelsea, Lamine Camara is expected to start for AS Monaco against Olympique de Marseille on Sunday night.
The Senegal international may not be a Monaco player come Tuesday, but he is expected to start alongside Denis Zakaria. Meanwhile, another player linked with an exit, Folarin Balogun, is out. He has yet to return to fitness since his return from the FIFA World Cup. Ansu Fati is also out injured, whilst Takumi Minamino and Mohamed Salisu are building up their fitness after suffering ACL injuries last season.
Up front, Filipe Luís has a decision to make. The Brazilian may opt for the in-form Paris Brunner over Mika Biereth. Eric Dier, who had looked like one of those most likely to leave earlier in the summer, is once again expected to start in defence.
Lukas Hradecky; **** nho, Eric Dier, Sadibou Sané, Vanderson; Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara; Stanis Idumbo, Aleksandr Golovin, Mamadou Coulibaly; Paris Brunner. (L'Éq)
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#expected #monaco #zakaria #brunner

Olympique Lyonnais forward Malick Fofana (21) has rejected the chance to join newly promoted Premier League side Hull City, as per a report from Foot Mercato.
Following their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last week, Lyon are now in a position where they are forced to sell. Fofana is the most obvious candidate to leave, whilst Ruben Kluivert is also being linked with an exit from the Groupama Stadium.
Fofana was the subject of a bid from Hull City. However, the Belgium international has rejected the chance to join the newly promoted club. OL's forward has his sights set on joining a 'bigger' club, Foot Mercato understands.
There are several other clubs interested in the winger, including Sunderland. He is a potential alternative to Olympique de Marseille's Igor Paixao. Fofana's agents have also offered him to several clubs, including **** nal. The player is expected to leave OL before the transfer deadline on Tuesday.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#olympique #foot #Mercato #forward

Sunderland are accelerating their late-window business, with TeamTalk reporting that Igor Paixao is now one of the club's leading priorities as Regis Le Bris looks to sharpen his squad before the deadline. The headline detail is encouraging, "Personal terms are already in place" and an "overall fee is close to being agreed", even if Marseille are still trying to retain the Brazilian.
This feels like a significant push from Sunderland. The club have been clear in the market that they want added quality in the final third, and Paixao appears to be the name moving fastest. TeamTalk add that Marseille "need to raise funds to satisfy financial regulations" and that "Paixao's situation remains one to watch as Sunderland push to get the deal over the line". Those are the sort of conditions that can create an opportunity late in the window, provided negotiations remain steady.
There are, however, other attacking names under consideration. Sunderland "made an approach for Sporting winger Geny Catamo", but his "near-£50million asking price has so far put the Black Cats off making another move". The club have also "spoken to Roma about Matias Soule as they **** s alternatives before the window closes". Even so, the report is firm that "Paixao remains a key target".
Sunderland's work is not confined to the forward line. TeamTalk say the Black Cats "are also working on another central defender" and have "enquired about Tottenham's Kevin Danso". They have also "asked about Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo", with both players described as experienced options. There is competition, with Fulham also making checks, so this is a situation that may move quickly in the closing days.
Photo IMAGO

#marseille

After failing to sign Jayden Oosterwolde, Roma have accelerated their pursuit of Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi.
The Argentine defender has spent the last six seasons with the French club and is now ready for a move to the capital.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Marseille has given their final approval and the deal can be considered closed.
The agreement between Roma and the French club includes a one-million-euro loan, with a €20 million option to buy, which can be converted into a mandatory buyout upon reaching a certain number of appearances, around 70%.
The player will land at Ciampino Airport at 5:45 PM.

#million

Marseille Sporting Director Grégory Lorenzi is adamant that OM could go an entire summer transfer window without making a single signing. The financially-stricken OM have transfer-listed their most marketable ***** ets, if not all players at Bruno Genesio's disposal. Brazilian winger Igor Paixão is a target for Sunderland AFC. Argentina international centre-back Leonardo Balerdi is expected to join AS Roma on loan with an option to buy.
Speaking to L'Equipe in the aftermath of today's UEFA Europa League draw at Monaco, Lorenzi said that OM may not be able to register a signing, even if they sell another player. "In practical terms, we would need several departures before we can make one signing. I don't know if people understand the situation." Marseille are yet to make a signing with time running out and the summer transfer window set to close on Tuesday.
Lorenzi added that it would be difficult to exfiltrate Paixão, in the sense that Marseille would not be able to replace him. However, OM need to free up close to €150m worth of funds in player sales and wages before June 2027. Such is the dire situation of Marseille's finances after years of mismanagement. "We need to be clear with everyone. The situation isn't easy, but we're going to fight."
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#signing

Martin O'Neill and his squad have agonised over the defeat in Austria over the past couple of days, and that sense of disappointment will no doubt linger over the coming weeks.
However, there is still a lot of football to be played this season, not least a Europa League campaign which will see Celtic welcome Marseille to Glasgow and also head out to Lisbon to face Benfica.
Before any of those European ties, however, the Hoops return to domestic action this weekend when they play host to Falkirk and looking to make it three wins out of three in the Premiership.
Speaking at Lennoxtown today, Martin O'Neill said: "It was really disappointing on Tuesday night, but we just have to try and get over it if we can.
'It can be difficult in the immediate aftermath to take it all in and ***** yse your disappointment with a bit of time that's passed.'

#however

On Friday, TSG Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen found out which teams they will face in the league phase of the Europa League this season. Last season's fifth-placed team Hoffenheim were in Pot 4, while the 2023/24 finalists were drawn out of Pot 1.
Carles Martínez's side will face Ligue 1 sides Marseille and Lyon from the top ranks, while home games against RB Salzburg and Beşiktaş are also standout fixtures. Hoffenheim will also face Lyon and Beşiktaş, in addition to tricky trips to Olympiacos, Anderlecht and Conference League champions Crystal Palace.
Here is a breakdown of who Hoffenheim and Leverkusen will face during the league phase starting 10 September 2026 and ending 28 January 2027.
Marseille (H)
Lyon (A)

#league #leverkusen #Friday

The Europa League draw has also been completed and has given us some highlights for this season. You can find out which matches you can look forward to in our overview.
Bayer Leverkusen: Olympique Marseille (H), Olympique Lyon (A), RB Salzburg (H), Dinamo Zagreb (A), NK Celje (H), Lech Poznan (A), Besiktas (H), OF Iraklion (A).
Benfica Lisbon: AZ Alkmaar (H), AC Milan (A), Celtic Glasgow (H), Viktoria Plzen (A), Lech Poznan (H), Omonia Nicosia (A), OF Iraklion (H), NEC Nijmegen (A).
Juventus Turin: Real Sociedad (H), Alkmaar (A), Stade Rennes (H), Ferencvaros (A), Omonia (H), Celta Vigo (A), NEC Nijmegen (H), Hapoel Beer Sheva (A).
Olympique Lyon: Bayer Leverkusen (H), Real Sociedad (A), Union Saint-Gilloise (H), Anderlecht (A), Crystal Palace (H), Jagiellonia (A), Lillestrøm (H), TSG Hoffenheim (A).

#olympique #lech

Jack Buchanan, Chief SPFL Editor
The UEFA Europa League league phase draw took place this afternoon, with the four British teams learning of their eight opponents.
Sunderland and Bournemouth's headline draws are that they will both travel to San Siro to take on AC Milan. Meanwhile, Celtic will welcome Marseille to Glasgow and Crystal Palace will travel to Lyon.
Marseille – Home
SL Benfica – Away

#marseille #travel #editor #uefa

Olympique de Marseille, Olympique Lyonnais and Stade Rennais now know what lies ahead.
The draw for the Europa League league phase delivered its verdict on Friday afternoon in Monaco. The three French clubs involved in the competition now know their eight opponents.
OM and OL will both go head-to-head with one of the overwhelming favorites for this edition: Bayer Leverkusen. A daunting common denominator!
Marseille will also have to navigate tricky away trips to Celtic Glasgow and Beşiktaş.
Rennes will take on the other giant of the competition: Juventus.

#head

After the Bundesliga clubs already found out yesterday who they will face in the Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen now also knows its opponents for the coming Europa League season.
The draw has just produced the following opponents.
Olympique Marseille (H), Olympique Lyon (A), RB Salzburg (H), Dinamo Zagreb (A), NK Celje (H), Lech Poznań (A), Beşiktaş (H), OF Iraklion (A).
The league phase begins on September 16, with UEFA set to announce the exact schedule and dates in the coming days. Next year's final, meanwhile, will be held in Frankfurt.
Are these manageable opponents for Leverkusen? What do you think? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments.

#champions

Yann Gboho (25) has been linked with a transfer all summer, however, the Ivory Coast international remains at Toulouse FC. But that could change in the final days of the transfer window. As per a report from RMC Sport, the Ivorian winger is now attracting interest from RC Lens and Hull City.
Kansas City have been interested in Gboho throughout the summer, but have thus far failed to get a move over the line. L'Équipe described the prospective deal as "complex" earlier this week. Olympique de Marseille have also been interested throughout the summer. However, OM have yet to make a single transfer this summer. They must still make sales before being able to dip into the market themselves. Time is running out.
But there is now interest from RC Lens, who will compete in the UEFA Champions League this season. There is also interest from Hull City, who are back in the Premier League and beat Manchester United upon their return to the top flight.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#interest #league

Bournemouth, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Celtic take their place in the Europa League draw – which will be revealed later this afternoon.
Bournemouth have qualified for Europe for the first time in their history while Sunderland are back in a continental competition for the first time since 1974.
Crystal Palace will be bidding for more European glory after their victory in the Conference League last season, meaning there will be three Premier League sides involved.
Celtic, meanwhile, dropped into the Europa League after their embarrassing collapse against LASK in the Champions League play-off second leg on Tuesday night.
Juventus, AC Milan, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille, Lyon and Real Sociedad are the top European sides who the British teams could be drawn with in today's draw.

#sunderland #celtic