Denis Bouanga ‘dreams’ of playing for Marseille despite LAFC contract extension | OneFootball

Denis Bouanga (29) has signed a contract extension with Los Angeles FC that will see him at the American club until 2027.

The Gabonese winger joined the club from AS Saint-Étienne in 2022 and went on to become MLS’s top goalscorer during the 2023 season. Despite this, it looked as if Bouanga’s head had turned ahead of the start of the new season, with the league’s top goal scorer appearing keen to return to Ligue 1.

There were several links throughout the winter transfer window, and Bouanga himself had made it clear that his objective was to secure a move back to Europe. However, LAFC were reluctant to see their star leave, even though Olympique de Marseille had made concrete efforts to secure the winger.

Bouanga confirms Marseille contact in January

Bouanga speaking to Téléfoot confirms that Medhi Benatia, Marseille’s sporting director, had made contact with his entourage during the winter transfer window, but that ultimately their conversations “were cut very short and there was no restart.”

However, despite committing his short-term future to LAFC, Bouanga remains interested in playing for Marseille, “It’s a dream to sign for Marseille. It’s my favourite club and that won’t change.”

GFFN | Nick Hartland