The Chilean forward has raised concern in France as his contract extension remains unsigned, with the current deal set to expire in June.
Alexis Sanchez enjoys life with Olympique de Marseille. The El Niño Maravilla became a central figure in Igor Tudor’s plan, maintaining his team’s competitive edge with crucial goals. Across 34 appearances in Ligue 1, the Champions League, and the French Cup, the Chilean has tallied 16 goals while wearing the La Canebière jersey.
Before the March international break, the Tocopilla native shone with a brace in the victory at Stade Louis II, contributing to the triumph that halted a 19-game unbeaten run by the opposing side. He helped narrow the gap to Paris Saint-Germain in the title race after the Parisians dropped points against Rennes. His goals at Auguste-Delaune II helped him reach 12 goals in the league this season in 25 appearances and briefly threatened Lionel Messi’s scoring record.
Les Phocéens grow increasingly anxious as the end of the contract looms. Reports from L’Equipe indicate that talks on an extension have not yet begun, feeding fears that Marseille could lose its primary attacking threat as the season winds down.
The concern deepened after Sanchez, speaking in the wake of his side’s exit from a domestic competition, expressed a strong desire to stay with the club while also signaling that departure could occur if his ambitions are not met. He made clear that he arrived at Marseille not for a vacation but to win titles and compete from day one for a Ligue 1 title and Champions League qualification, underscoring his long-standing appetite for silverware after a successful career with clubs including Inter Milan and Manchester United.
“I am here for a season. I can stay or go, but I did not come to Marseille to relax. I want to win. Not here to finish fourth or fifth, not even second for a place in the Champions League. I want to compete from day one and lift trophies,” stated the forward, reflecting on his formative days at Cobreloa and his career ambitions. “My future depends on the ambitions we set and where we finish.”
Alexis’ stats with Les Phocéens – All his goals with OM
The 34-year-old joined Marseille last August with the option of extending for another year, potentially becoming a free agent in June if no new deal is agreed. Former midfielder Jerome Rothen, a 2003 Confederations Cup champion with PSG, questioned his long-term commitment. “Sanchez is deeply attached to the club, but with Alexis Sanchez’s career, you shouldn’t get too attached to his emotional side. He’s a mercenary who moves where the wind blows,” commented Rothen on a prominent French program, highlighting the reality of a veteran player balancing loyalty with career opportunities.
Rothen continued, noting Sanchez’s recent remarks following the French Cup exit, and explaining why Marseille’s leadership must reconcile ambition with practicality. He pointed out that Marseille has shown ambition since Pablo Longoria became president. If the forward perceives that the club can offer players of higher caliber to support him in scoring and creating chances, staying could be an attractive option for him.
The former Manchester United man began his tenure with Marseille after parting ways with Inter Milan at the end of the 2022-23 season. He appeared in 109 matches for Inter, starting 40, and contributed 20 goals and 18 assists across all competitions before moving to Ligue 1.
HIS STATISTICS IN LIGUE 1:
THEIR NUMBERS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:
IN THE FRENCH CUP:
La Roja’s top scorer currently earns about 3 million euros per season, a figure well below the roughly £7 million he was paid under another managerial regime. He is listed as the club’s fourth-highest earner, behind teammates such as Bailly, Guendouzi, and Ounahi as Marseille navigates its finances and competitive strategy.
Source: Goal