Olympique de Marseille has officially announced the signing of defender Facundo Medina, aged 25, on a season-long loan agreement with RC Lens. The deal includes an option for Marseille to make the transfer permanent. Medina`s arrival signifies the club`s third acquisition of the current summer transfer window.
The Argentine international joins Angel Gomes and CJ Egan-Riley as new recruits arriving at the Vélodrome. Under the guidance of manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is preparing for his second season, the squad is being reinforced, particularly in defense, ahead of a significant return to the UEFA Champions League for the 2025-2026 campaign.
Born in Villa Fiorito, Medina developed through the youth setup at River Plate before stepping into senior football with Talleres de Córdoba in 2018. His impressive progress in Argentina quickly attracted interest from European clubs, leading to Lens securing his signature in 2020, coinciding with their return to Ligue 1.
Over his four seasons with Lens in northern France, the left-footed defender became a crucial part of Franck Haise’s defensive line. He made 131 appearances across all competitions, scoring 5 goals. He was instrumental in Lens` outstanding second-place finish in the 2022/23 season, which earned them a spot in the Champions League. During his tenure with Les Sang et Or, he also earned three caps for the Argentina national team.
Medina arrived in Marseille on Tuesday afternoon, having traveled from Spain where he had been conducting personal pre-season preparations. He was met at Marignane airport by members of the OM staff and a group of enthusiastic fans, who braved the summer heat to welcome their new signing.
Speaking to La Provence upon his arrival, Medina clearly stated his ambitions:
“I`m coming to OM to win titles,” he declared, pictured with his lawyer Sevan Karian and proudly displaying a club scarf.
At Marseille, Medina will join his fellow Argentine compatriot and current club captain, Leonardo Balerdi. Their pairing could potentially form a new central defensive partnership under De Zerbi.
