Mehdi Benatia Linked to Al Ittihad as Olympique de Marseille Exit Looms

The executive landscape at Olympique de Marseille is shifting. Reports indicate that Mehdi Benatia, the club’s Director of Sport, is emerging as a primary target for Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Ittihad as he nears the end of his tenure in France.

According to reporting from Fabrizio Romano, Al Ittihad is considering Benatia as a leading candidate to fill their Director of Football role. The move comes amid a broader restructuring at the Jeddah-based club, where Ramon Planes is reportedly set to move on, leaving a void in the sporting leadership that the Saudi Pro League side is eager to fill with experienced European expertise.

For those following the inner workings of Ligue 1, Benatia’s departure would mark the end of a pivotal chapter at the Stade Vélodrome. His transition from a decorated playing career to the boardroom has been one of the more scrutinized executive arcs in recent French football, characterized by the high-pressure environment that defines Marseille.

The Saudi Blueprint: Why Al Ittihad Wants Benatia

The interest from Al Ittihad is not an isolated incident but part of a calculated strategy by the Saudi Pro League to import proven administrative talent. While the league has dominated headlines with the acquisition of global superstars on the pitch, the current phase of their evolution focuses on the “back office”—the scouts, sporting directors, and technical architects who can build sustainable rosters.

Benatia fits this profile precisely. Having played at the highest levels in Italy with Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Roma, and having served as a key figure in the Moroccan national team, he possesses a global network of contacts. In the world of football administration, a Director of Football is only as good as their address book, and Benatia’s reach across Europe and Africa is a significant asset for a club looking to diversify its recruitment beyond traditional markets.

the role of Director of Football in the Saudi context often differs from the traditional European model. These executives are frequently tasked not just with player recruitment, but with the wholesale modernization of training methodologies and youth development structures to match the ambitions of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 sports initiative.

Navigating the Exit at Marseille

The timeline of Benatia’s departure has been a subject of some confusion in recent months. While some early reports suggested a transition as far back as February 2026, the most recent updates confirm that the process is reaching its final stages now in May. This suggests a phased exit, likely designed to ensure that Marseille’s summer transfer window preparations are not left in chaos.

Benatia’s time as Director of Sport at Olympique de Marseille has been a balancing act. Operating in one of the most volatile cities in world football, he has had to manage the expectations of a demanding fanbase while navigating the financial constraints and ambitions of the club’s ownership.

For the global reader, it is helpful to understand that the “Director of Sport” role at OM is essentially the bridge between the board of directors and the coaching staff. Benatia has been responsible for the sporting project, overseeing everything from the first-team squad assembly to the integration of academy players. His departure will leave a significant vacuum in the club’s strategic planning.

The Stakes for Al Ittihad

For Al Ittihad, securing Benatia would be a statement of intent. The club has faced periods of inconsistency despite massive investment, and the need for a steady hand in the sporting director’s office is urgent. The transition from Ramon Planes to a figure like Benatia would signal a desire for a more aggressive, yet structured, approach to the European market.

The move also underscores the growing gravitational pull of the Saudi Pro League. It is no longer just the players who are being lured by lucrative contracts; the administrative class of football is now seeing the Middle East as a frontier for professional growth and high-stakes management.

Career Trajectory: From Pitch to Boardroom

To understand why Benatia is a “leading candidate,” one must look at the trajectory of his career. He wasn’t merely a defender; he was a leader of the backline at some of the most disciplined clubs in the world. The tactical discipline learned under the systems at Bayern Munich and Juventus translates well into the administrative side of the game, where organization and attention to detail are paramount.

His appointment at Marseille was a gamble on a relatively young executive, but his ability to handle the pressure of the Mediterranean coast has proven his resilience. If he successfully navigates a move to Jeddah, he joins an elite group of former players who have successfully pivoted into high-level sporting governance.

What’s Next for OM?

The immediate question for Marseille fans is: who replaces Benatia? The club cannot afford a leadership vacuum heading into the summer window. Whether they opt for another former player or a seasoned executive from the Belgian or Portuguese leagues—markets OM has traditionally favored—the next few weeks will be critical.

The club’s priority will be to find a successor who can maintain the continuity of the current sporting project while bringing a fresh perspective to a squad that is always under the microscope.

As for Benatia, the final terms of his move to Saudi Arabia are still being hammered out. Once the agreement is finalized, he will likely move from the tactical battles of Ligue 1 to the ambitious expansion of the Saudi Pro League, marking one of the most engaging executive transfers of the 2026 season.

Next Checkpoint: Official confirmation of the Director of Football appointment from Al Ittihad or a formal farewell statement from Olympique de Marseille.

Do you think the move to the Saudi Pro League is the right career step for Benatia, or should he have stayed to stabilize Marseille? Let us know in the comments below.