Olympique de Marseille Makes €25M Bid for Jorge Carrascal: What It Means for the Colombian Star

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just weeks away, the European transfer market is heating up—and Colombian midfielder Jorge Carrascal is at the center of one of its most intriguing stories. Olympique de Marseille, one of France’s most storied clubs, has reportedly submitted a €25 million bid to sign Carrascal from Flamengo, according to Caracol Radio, which cited Italian journalist Marco Mampreso as the source. The offer, if accepted, would mark Carrascal’s return to European football after a brief but impactful stint in South America.

The Offer: €25M and a Second Chance in Europe

Marseille’s interest in Carrascal isn’t new. The French club previously attempted to sign the 27-year-old in 2023, offering €15 million plus bonuses, but Flamengo rejected the bid at the time. Now, with Carrascal’s role at Flamengo diminished under manager Leo Jardim, Marseille has returned with a significantly higher offer—reportedly €25 million, a figure that reflects both the player’s potential and the club’s urgency to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The bid comes as Carrascal’s playing time at Flamengo has dwindled. Since joining the Brazilian club in 2023, the Colombian has struggled to secure a consistent starting role, making just 12 appearances in the 2025-26 season (as of April 28, 2026). His departure would free up a foreign-player slot for Flamengo, which could be crucial as the club navigates the latter stages of the Copa Libertadores.

Carrascal’s Journey: From Colombia to Europe and Back

Carrascal’s career has been defined by its transcontinental nature. Born in Cartagena, Colombia, he began his professional career at Millonarios before making his first move to Europe in 2016. Over the next two years, he played for Sevilla’s reserve team and Ukrainian club Karpaty Lviv, where he honed his skills as an attacking midfielder with a knack for creativity and long-range shooting.

His return to South America in 2018 proved pivotal. Carrascal joined River Plate, where he became a key figure in the team’s midfield, helping the Argentine giants win the 2019 Copa Libertadores. His performances earned him a move to Russian Premier League side CSKA Moscow in 2021, followed by a stint at Dinamo Moscow, where he scored 12 goals in 45 appearances—a career-high for a midfielder in Europe.

In 2023, Carrascal made the jump to Flamengo, one of South America’s most prestigious clubs. While his time in Brazil has been marked by flashes of brilliance, including a standout performance in the 2024 Copa Libertadores final, his lack of consistent playing time has raised questions about his future at the club.

Why Marseille? A Club with History and Ambition

Olympique de Marseille is no stranger to big-name signings. The club, which won the UEFA Champions League in 1993, has a rich history of developing South American talent, including legends like Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez. For Carrascal, a move to Marseille would represent a chance to revive his European career in Ligue 1, a league known for its tactical flexibility and emphasis on technical play—ideal for a player of his profile.

Marseille’s current squad, managed by Jean-Louis Gasset, is in transition. The club finished third in Ligue 1 in the 2024-25 season and is looking to bolster its midfield ahead of a potential Champions League campaign. Carrascal’s versatility—capable of playing as a central attacking midfielder, winger, or even a false nine—makes him an attractive option for Gasset, who favors a fluid, possession-based system.

What This Means for Colombia’s World Cup Hopes

Carrascal’s potential move to Europe comes at a critical time for Colombia’s national team. With the 2026 World Cup set to kick off in June, head coach Néstor Lorenzo has been finalizing his squad, and Carrascal’s form and fitness could play a key role in Colombia’s campaign. A return to Europe could provide him with the regular playing time he needs to regain his sharpness ahead of the tournament.

Although, the timing of the transfer adds a layer of complexity. If Carrascal moves to Marseille in the coming weeks, he’ll need to quickly adapt to a new league, language, and tactical system—all while preparing for the World Cup. For Lorenzo, the challenge will be balancing Carrascal’s club commitments with his availability for Colombia’s group-stage matches against Japan, Senegal, and Poland.

The Stakes for Flamengo

For Flamengo, Carrascal’s potential departure is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the club stands to create a significant profit on a player who has struggled to secure a starting role. The reported €25 million offer represents a substantial return on their investment, given that Carrascal joined the club for a fee in the range of €10-12 million in 2023.

Flamengo risks losing a player with Champions League experience and proven big-game ability. Carrascal’s performance in the 2024 Copa Libertadores final, where he scored a crucial goal, demonstrated his value in high-pressure situations. If he leaves, Flamengo will need to identify a replacement who can provide similar creativity and goal-scoring threat from midfield.

What’s Next? The Timeline and Key Players

The next few weeks will be critical for all parties involved. Here’s what to watch:

• Flamengo’s Decision: The Brazilian club has until the finish of the European transfer window (likely early June 2026) to decide whether to accept Marseille’s offer. With Carrascal’s contract set to expire in December 2026, Flamengo may opt to cash in now rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
• Carrascal’s Choice: While the financial terms of the deal are likely appealing, Carrascal will need to weigh the opportunity to return to Europe against the potential for more playing time elsewhere. Other clubs, including reported interest from Premier League and Serie A sides, could emerge as rivals to Marseille’s bid.
• Colombia’s World Cup Prep: If the transfer goes through, Carrascal will need to hit the ground running in France. His ability to adapt quickly could determine whether he features prominently in Colombia’s World Cup campaign.

Key Takeaways

• €25M Bid: Olympique de Marseille has reportedly offered €25 million to sign Jorge Carrascal from Flamengo, a significant increase from their previous €15M bid in 2023.
• Carrascal’s Role at Flamengo: The Colombian midfielder has seen limited playing time under manager Leo Jardim, making a move to Europe more appealing.
• World Cup Implications: A return to Europe could help Carrascal regain form ahead of Colombia’s 2026 World Cup campaign, but the timing of the transfer adds pressure.
• Flamengo’s Dilemma: The Brazilian club must decide whether to accept the offer or hold onto Carrascal, whose contract expires in December 2026.
• Marseille’s Ambitions: The French club is looking to strengthen its midfield ahead of a potential Champions League campaign and sees Carrascal as a versatile solution.

The Bottom Line

Jorge Carrascal’s potential move to Olympique de Marseille is more than just a transfer—it’s a career-defining moment for a player who has spent years navigating the highs and lows of football across two continents. For Marseille, it’s a chance to add a creative spark to their midfield; for Flamengo, it’s an opportunity to cash in on a player who may no longer fit their plans. And for Colombia, it’s a reminder that the World Cup is just around the corner, and every decision Carrascal makes now could shape his role in the tournament.

The next official update is expected within the week, as Flamengo evaluates Marseille’s offer and Carrascal weighs his options. For now, all eyes are on the Colombian midfielder as he stands at a crossroads in his career.

What do you think? Should Carrascal make the move to Marseille, or is he better off staying in South America? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter.