Olympique de Marseille has confirmed the loan of teenage left-back Alexi Koum, 19, to Championnat National club Valenciennes. This move is official and aims to provide the young player with greater opportunities for senior football experience.
Koum arrived at Les Phocéens last summer from fellow Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre. His time at OM has been limited, featuring just once in the 2024/25 season with an 11-minute substitute appearance in the 2-0 win over AS Saint-Etienne in December 2024. He was also named as a substitute for the opening match against Stade Brestois.
Already representing France at youth levels from U16 to U19, the transfer to Valenciennes is intended to provide Koum with consistent senior game time necessary for his development.
Valenciennes finished 9th in the Championnat National last season. Their promotion aspirations faded towards the end of the campaign, securing only one victory in their final eight matches. The club is part of the Sports Republic network, which also includes ownership stakes in England`s Southampton and Turkey`s Göztepe SK.
