Akor Adams: How Marseille can benefit from Sevilla’s plan to replace Nigerian striker

Akor Adams has emerged as a transfer target for Olympique de Marseille as the French club looks to address their striking needs ahead of next season, Afrik Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker enjoyed a productive full debut campaign in La Liga, contributing 10 goals in his first season at Sevilla.

His performances have attracted formal interest from Marseille, Premier League clubs, and sides from the Middle East, with Sevilla demanding a minimum of €25 million, as per Vamos Sevilla.

Akor Adams of Sevilla FC. Photo by: ImagoxMaria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images

Sevilla plan to replace Akor Adams with Joselu

Sevilla’s sporting director, José Ignacio Navarro, has already identified 36-year-old free agent Joselu Mato as Adams’ replacement.

The former Real Madrid striker, who recently ended his contract with Qatari side Al-Gharafa, is understood to be keen on a return to Spanish football for personal reasons, and previous director Antonio Cordón had already held advanced conversations with the player before his tenure ended.

The 36-year-old registered 26 goals in Qatar and boasts 68 strikes in 199 La Liga appearances across spells at Deportivo Alavés, Espanyol, and Real Madrid, but his arrival would represent a short-term, low-cost solution, not a long-term plan.

Akor Adams. Copyright: xMatthieuxMirvillexIMAGO

How Marseille can benefit from Joselu’s transfer

The one-time UEFA Champions League winners are navigating one of the most turbulent seasons in recent years.

Mason Greenwood, their top scorer last season with 26 goals and 11 assists, is heading for the exit door. Relations between Greenwood and the club hierarchy have broken down entirely, with ESPN suggesting the striker and previous sporting director Mehdi Benatia ignored each other daily. AS Roma are the frontrunners to sign him, with a €40 million offer tabled.

That potential departure leaves Marseille with an urgent problem, as they need a proven goalscorer to fill the gap of Greenwood’s absence.

Mason GREENWOOD of Marseille celebrate after scoring. Photo by Icon Sport

They will not be in the Champions League next season, they are under pressure from French financial regulators to balance their books before June 30, and their new sporting director, Gregory Lorenzi, has only just settled into his role.

A €25 million striker with ten La Liga goals and Super Eagles pedigree fits that profile almost perfectly.

While Marseille will receive the bulk of the Greenwood windfall, a huge percentage will also go to Manchester United (50% sell-on clause).

Marseille, even without Champions League football, remain one of the most watched clubs in French football with a fanbase that demands goals and rewards those who deliver them.

Ronaldo impressed with Akor Adams today 😅 pic.twitter.com/Mr10s7CNvG

— GNB OFFICIAL (@GHNaijaBallers) June 10, 2026

Players like Florian Thauvin, Dimitri Payet and Clinton Njie became cult heroes at the Velodrom, and Akor could be the next to join that list.