Kumbedi pushes to leave Wolfsburg as OM and Torino probe

The right-back out of the loop

Saël Kumbedi, the 21-year-old France right-back under contract with VfL Wolfsburg until 2029, is at the heart of a tricky transfer situation. As L'Équipe reports, he wants to leave after Wolfsburg’s relegation to Germany’s second tier, and his circle says there had been an initial understanding that would allow him to consider a move this summer.

Offers made, exits denied

That plan has now hit a wall. Per L'Équipe, Wolfsburg would have reversed the original deal and effectively blocked any departure, meaning the player is kept away from the first-team group. During the market, the profile drew interest from Olympique de Marseille, and there were also concrete approaches involving Torino, alongside other clubs such as Hamburg and Werder Bremen. The proposals even included loan options as a potential compromise.

A wish to move, not to clash

The player’s camp says the issue is not about starting a fight with the club: “Kumbedi has always respected Wolfsburg, its commitments and professional obligations.” The stated reason is purely sporting—he wants to keep playing at the highest level to develop further. With relations strained, L'Équipe adds that it looks difficult to fix things before the window closes.

A final Italian push

The most recent proposal mentioned by L'Équipe is from Italy: €1m for a loan, with another player included in the deal, plus a €12m purchase option. Kumbedi hopes Wolfsburg will finally give a positive answer and open the door to an agreement before the end of the market.