Tochukwu Nnadi: De Zerbi, Beye and real reasons the Super Eagles star will leave Marseille

Nigeria international Tochukwu Nnadi’s short stay at Olympique de Marseille looks set to end far sooner than many expected, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian midfielder arrived with promise, but just a few months later, the story has turned into one of missed chances, changing plans, and a club still searching for stability.

When Nnadi signed from SV Zulte Waregem for around €6 million, there was genuine excitement. He had shown glimpses of quality and energy in Belgium, and Marseille believed they were bringing in a player for the future. But football can change quickly.

The key problem was not just his performances, but the environment he walked into. Nnadi was reportedly a player approved under Roberto De Zerbi, but the Italian coach’s quick exit from the club left the youngster in a difficult position. Without the manager who wanted him, Nnadi suddenly became a player without a strong voice backing him.

From there, things only got harder. Under new coach Habib Beye, Nnadi has struggled to find a place. The message from inside the club has been clear. As reported by insider account GP013 via BFC:

“You probably guessed it, but Habib Beye doesn’t want Tochukwu Nnadi, who will almost certainly leave OM at the end of the season.”

That statement sums up the situation. Tochukwu Nnadi's struggles at Marseille is not really about form or adaptation, it is about fit. Nnadi does not appear to match what the current manager wants.

His lack of playing time tells the same story. Since arriving in February, he has managed just 26 minutes across three appearances. For a young player trying to settle in a new country and league, that is simply not enough to build confidence or show his true level.

At the same time, Marseille themselves are in a period of uncertainty. While Beye is contracted until 2027, his future depends heavily on results, especially whether the club can finish in the top three in Ligue 1. In such an unstable setting, young players like Nnadi often struggle the most.

What next for Tochukwu Nnadi?

All signs now point to a summer exit. For both Nnadi and Marseille, it feels like the right moment to move on and start again.

One possible destination is a return to SV Zulte Waregem, where he previously enjoyed his football. A loan or permanent deal could help him rediscover his confidence in a familiar environment.

There is also interest within France, with several unnamed Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs believed to be watching closely. These teams could offer him regular playing time, something he has badly missed in Marseille.

Beyond France, other options remain on the table. West Ham United had shown strong interest before his move to Marseille, and while there is no fresh confirmation, the Premier League has long been linked with his name.

Elsewhere, clubs like Werder Bremen and Dynamo Moscow were previously interested after his performances at youth level. Those links could be revived if Marseille officially place him on the market.

Nnadi is currently valued at €3 million and was a member of the Super Eagles squad that won bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.