Neal Maupay on ‘healthy’ competition with Elye Wahi | OneFootball

In his first press conference for Olympique de Marseille, Neal Maupay (28) has addressed his relationship with Elye Wahi (21) after both strikers were signed by the club this summer.

Despite both arriving in August, there is a clear pecking order between the two strikers. Wahi joined Marseille as the clear priority for the number nine role after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (35) was sold to Al Qadsiah.

Maupay was a far less obvious recruit and as the season began there was no intention from Marseille to recruit another striker. However, an injury to back-up striker Faris Moumbagna forced Les Phocéens to dip into the market again.

Marseille were able to secure a loan deal with Everton FC for Maupay with an obligation to buy for €4 million and the swap was confirmed on transfer deadline day meaning that the striker could make a cameo appearance in the victory over Toulouse the very next day.

“It felt good to be back on the pitch in Toulouse. [I was] a little lacking rhythm but that’s normal. On the competition with Elye, there’s no unease, he was signed as number one and I’m here to compete with him, to help him and so that we can push each other,” Maupay stated.

The forward continued, “In an ambitious club, it’s normal that all the positions are doubled. It’s healthy. I get on well with him and it’ll help us both move forward.”

GFFN | Nick Hartland