Olympique de Marseille confirmed Luiz Felipe Ramos’s arrival at the club on a free transfer, while Pau Lopez joins Lens on loan for the rest of the season.

The Italian defender is the club’s first signing of 2025. He most recently played for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, a club he joined in 2023 from Real Betis for a €22 million fee. 

However, after terminating his club contract, Felipe became a free agent to join Marseille. 

Ramos became a prominent player in Serie A with SS Lazio. As he arrives at Marseille, he would bolster Roberto De Zerbi’s options, having shown that he can play both as a center-back and a tight back. 

Meanwhile, this announcement could mean Marseille could sell summer signing Lilian Brassier. The Frenchman who joined from Stade Brestois could leave, having struggled to settle in the south of France. There are also reports that the club wishes to sell. 

In a situation where he’s unable to secure a permanent move, Marseille could loan him out like they did with Lopez.

As announced by both clubs, the 30-year-od goalie will now spend the rest of the season. 

The Spaniard already had a loan stint with La Liga side Girona FC while he was Paulo Gazzaniga’s (33) understudy. This season, he played just a game with the Catalunya outfit – the Copa Del Rey second round. 

It could be said that Lens have already secured the signing of the former AS Roma goalkeeper who could succeed Brice Samba, who is also about to complete a €14m move to Stade Rennais. RMC Sport reported that the former Nottingham Forest goalie is already undergoing medical treatment with the club.

According to reports, the deal for López includes an option to make the move permanent, and he is in line to make his Lens debut this Sunday with Les Sang et Or, who is set to face Le Havre.