Marseille snub Neymar rumours, seal Igor Paixao and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deals

South American outlet TyC Sports had reported that Neymar, who returned to his boyhood club Santos in January after a challenging stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, was eyeing a return to European football.

The report suggested Marseille were in talks with the former Paris Saint-Germain forward, who has struggled with injuries and faced criticism for his off-field behavior, including a recent clash with a Santos fan after a 2-1 defeat to Porto Alegre.

However, Marseille have categorically denied these claims. "It's complete nonsense," a senior club source told Le Parisien, putting an end to the speculation.

Instead, Marseille have focused their efforts on strengthening their attack with two high-profile acquisitions. The Phoceens have secured an agreement with Feyenoord Rotterdam for Brazilian winger Igor Paixao, aged 25, in a deal worth approximately 35 million euros, marking a club-record transfer.

Paixao, who impressed with 16 goals and 10 assists in 34 Eredivisie matches last season, is set to arrive in Marseille on Wednesday for his medical, with a five-year contract until June 2030 awaiting his signature.

Alongside Paixao, Marseille are welcoming back a familiar face in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 36-year-old Gabonese striker, who previously lit up the Velodrome with 30 goals in 51 appearances during the 2023-24 season, has chosen to return to Marseille after terminating his contract with Saudi club Al-Qadsiah.

Aubameyang rejected an offer from Al-Ettifaq to sign a deal with Marseille until June 2027, with his arrival expected on Tuesday evening. "Auba picks OM over bids from Saudi," transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted on X, highlighting the striker's commitment to the club's project under president Pablo Longoria, sporting director Medhi Benatia, and manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Marseille's transfer activity reflects their ambition to compete in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League, having already signed Angel Gomes, CJ Egan-Riley, and Facundo Medina earlier this summer. With Paixao's flair on the wing and Aubameyang's proven goal-scoring prowess, the Phoceens are building a formidable attack to challenge rivals like Paris Saint-Germain.

"We are thrilled to bring Igor to Marseille and to welcome Pierre back," a club statement on X read, signaling their intent to make waves this season.

As Marseille prepare for their next friendly against Girona, fans are buzzing with excitement over the new additions, while the Neymar rumours fade into the background as an unlikely fantasy. The club's focus remains clear: building a squad capable of delivering silverware and electrifying performances at the Velodrome.