Olympique de Marseille could command a transfer fee exceeding 20 million euros for defender CJ Egan-Riley, according to a fan survey published by Foot01.
The 23-year-old English central defender arrived at the French club on a free transfer in July 2025 after his contract with Burnley expired, as reported by Foot01. Under manager Bruno Genesio, Marseille has climbed to fourth place in the Ligue 1 standings after 10 matches.
Egan-Riley has established himself as an undisputed starter alongside Nayef Aguerd in central defense. Last season, the defender saw very little playing time under previous managers Roberto De Zerbi and Habib Beye, Foot01 noted.
Fans Debate Egan-Riley's Potential Transfer Value
A recent poll conducted by Foot01 involving 1,300 participants showed that 69% of voters believe Marseille can sell Egan-Riley for more than 20 million euros as early as next summer. Meanwhile, 31% of respondents remain skeptical that the club will receive such a high offer for the former Burnley player.
Sporting director Medhi Benatia secured the player without a transfer fee, meaning any substantial future sale would generate a significant financial profit for the club. pointed out that Marseille remains under financial pressure to sell high-value players to maintain stability.
Egan-Riley’s recent performances in matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Lens helped elevate his status within the squad. reported that following Marseille’s 2-1 victory away against Lens at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, the defender spoke about the team’s momentum.
It’s football, the importance of confidence is enormous,
Egan-Riley said in an interview with Ligue 1+, as covered by Foot Mercato. We are in a very positive run, we have to believe in ourselves, in this possibility, even when we were at our worst.
Egan-Riley Compares Ligue 1 to the Championship
In a separate interview with La Tribune, Egan-Riley discussed his transition to French football after playing in England’s EFL Championship with Burnley during the 2024-25 season. He acknowledged that the overall technical level and playing styles in Ligue 1 differ significantly from the English second tier.
I made sure to bring to Marseille the qualities that justified my transfer,
Egan-Riley told La Tribune. But nobody can dispute that the overall level of Ligue 1 is superior to that of the Championship.
The defender also reflected on his development path, mentioning his early football education at Manchester City’s academy and his victory at the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship alongside fellow French-based English players such as Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton and Rennes defender Charlie Cresswell.
Marseille prepares to return to competition as the squad looks to secure a spot in the upper reaches of the Ligue 1 table.
