Grégory Lorenzi Set to Become OM’s Next Sporting Director

Grégory Lorenzi has decided to leave Brest to become the new sporting director of Olympique de Marseille, where he will replace Mehdi Benatia. According to reporting from L’Équipe, the 42-year-old executive accepted the role after approaches from the club and Stéphane Richard, who is scheduled to become president on July 1.

The appointment follows a decade of tenure at Brest, during which Lorenzi oversaw the club’s progression from Ligue 2 to the Champions League. The move to Marseille is described as a step to provide fresh impetus to his executive career.

Lorenzi’s transition to Marseille follows a period of competition for his services, as OGC Nice had previously believed they were in a strong position to hire him. However, Lorenzi opted for Marseille, reportedly due to uncertainties regarding Nice in Ligue 1 and over the medium term. He is expected to sign a contract in Marseille that is more lucrative than the offer provided by Nice.

The terms of the agreement grant Lorenzi full control of the sporting department. This authority includes the ability to appoint a head coach of his choice, with a preference for a French candidate. This managerial autonomy comes as Habib Beye is set to depart the organization.

As part of his operational strategy, Lorenzi intends to bring his brother into the club to serve as a scout for recruitment. This mirrors the professional arrangement Lorenzi maintained during his recent seasons at Brest.

The restructuring of the sporting leadership occurs alongside a broader change in club governance, with the arrival of Stéphane Richard as president on July 1. Lorenzi is expected to arrive in Marseille in the coming days to finalize the signing of his contract.