Everton striker Neal Maupay is on the verge of a move to French side Marseille, ending a disappointing spell on Merseyside. The 28-year-old Frenchman is set to join the Ligue 1 club on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for a fee of £3.4 million.
Maupay's time at Goodison Park has been underwhelming, with limited impact in front of goal. He joined the Toffees from Brighton in August 2022, signing a contract that expires next summer. He spent last season on loan at Brentford, netting eight goals in 31 appearances.
The move to Marseille sees Maupay joining a revitalised team under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, who arrived after leaving Brighton earlier this summer. He will link up with a number of former English Premier League players, including Mason Greenwood, Jonathan Rowe, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Ismael Kone.
Everton's financial constraints are a major factor in Maupay's departure. Manager Sean Dyche has publicly stated that the club is currently without funds as they await the completion of a takeover. This leaves them in a precarious position as they seek to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.
Although the club's priority is to sign a forward, possibly on loan, before the transfer deadline on Friday, it remains unclear whether they will be able to secure a replacement for Maupay due to their financial limitations.
Maupay's impending move comes just days after he responded to a video showing Everton supporters verbally abusing players at London Euston train station. The incident sparked a wave of condemnation across the football world.
Despite his lack of success at Everton, Maupay will be hoping for a fresh start in Ligue 1. Marseille's ambitious project, under the guidance of De Zerbi, could offer him the opportunity to rediscover his form and prove his doubters wrong.
