Robinio Vaz posts and deletes Marseille farewell message amid Roma move

Robinio Vaz (18) has appeared to confirm his impending departure from Olympique de Marseille after posting — and subsequently deleting — a farewell message to supporters on Instagram, as his move to AS Roma edges closer.

The 18-year-old forward shared an emotional message on Monday evening thanking Marseille fans, teammates, and the club for his time at the Vélodrome, accompanying the post with a photograph of himself in OM colours during a rain-soaked match. The message was removed shortly afterwards, but its publication has only intensified speculation surrounding his imminent transfer to Italy.

“People of Marseille, first of all I wanted to speak to you to thank you for this time at OM, for these moments of sharing and happiness with you,” Vaz wrote. “Some chapters are shorter than others, but important in a career. Thank you to my teammates.”

Vaz is expected to leave Marseille this winter, with multiple French outlets reporting that the two clubs have already reached an agreement on a six-month loan with a mandatory purchase option worth around €25 million including bonuses. Personal terms have also reportedly been agreed on a four-and-a-half-year contract, although the deal will not be official until the player completes his medical and signs the paperwork.

Despite the advanced nature of negotiations, Vaz technically remains an OM player for now. According to La Provence, he has reportedly been training individually at La Commanderie and is not expected to feature again before his departure is finalised.

Signed from Sochaux for just €200,000 in August 2024, Vaz made a rapid impression at senior level, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 14 Ligue 1 appearances during the first half of the season. His last appearance for Marseille is likely to have come in the Coupe de France against Bourg-en-Bresse on 21 December.GFFN | George Boxall