Changes in Marseille confuse Akrad's future

Moroccan international Naif Akrad is experiencing a complicated situation with Olympique Marseille, after his promising start in French stadiums turned into a period of doubts, both on the sporting and administrative levels, in a short time.

A report by the “Hammers” website, which is loyal to the fans of the English team West Ham, confirmed that the winds of change that blew on the southern team disturbed the Moroccan defender, especially after the departure of coach Roberto De Zerbe and the arrival of Habib Paye, as Akrad’s performance declined significantly, and he found himself in a defense line that received sharp criticism, especially after the exit from the French Cup, in a match during which the superiority of defender Charlie Cresswell was overshadowed.

He also confirmed that Akrad's troubles did not stop there, as he suffered an injury that could keep him out of the field for the rest of the season, which even threatens his participation in the upcoming international competitions, most notably the World Cup finals.

In the midst of these situations, the player received another morale blow, after announcing the departure of sporting director Mehdi Benatia at the end of the season, who was the one behind his recruitment to Marseille, and even one of his most prominent supporters within the club.

Akrad had previously expressed his gratitude to Benatia, stressing that the latter played a major role in convincing him of the Marseille project, benefiting from the strong relationship that unites them within the national team.

These developments raise more than one question mark about the future of the Moroccan defender, especially in light of the decline in his level, the change in the technical staff, in addition to the absence of the person who was the main link in his transfer.

The possibility of Akrad leaving the walls of the “Velodrome” has become very likely during the upcoming transfer period, if the situation continues as it is.

Akrad had left West Ham United during the Mercato last summer in a deal amounting to about 17 million pounds, in search of a new start, which was actually achieved in the first weeks, as he appeared at a reassuring level that restored his confidence within an atmosphere he knew well in the French League.