Reports: Marseille intensively court Freiburg's Sildillia
Two reliable sources (France's "Le Parisien" and Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano) report that 22-year-old SC Freiburg fullback Kiliann Sildillia has agreed to terms on a contract with Ligue 1's Olympique Marseille and lodged a transfer request with his German club. The Metz-native joined the Freiburg reserves four years ago, worked his way up to the first team, and has already made a combined 85 Bundesliga, Pokal, and Europa League appearances for the SCF senior side.
Sildillia's third season with the Breisgauer has nevertheless been something of a disappointment and the French youth international is thought to be seeking a change-of-scenery. The right back - though he did score a goal in the Europa League - registered just one assist in 27 league appearances last year. A three-match-ban following a nasty challenge on Wolfsburg's Kevin Paredes ended his season prematurely. His estimated market worth fell from a peak of €18 million to €15 million.
Freiburg shall still be seeking fair market value for Sildillia, meaning that it is by no means a forgone conclusion that a transfer shall take place. Romano reports that Marseille have submitted an opening bid to the Black Forest club. The amount OM have offered to pay was not divulged. The Italian transfer expert does claim that newly installed head-coach Roberto de Zerbi has held personal talks with the player, however. Sildillia is currently representing his country at the French-hosted Olympics.