In a swift and significant move to bolster its midfield, Olympique de Marseille has officially completed the signing of Dutch international Quinten Timber from Feyenoord Rotterdam on a contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.
The 24-year-old midfielder arrives for a reported fee of €4.5 million, a figure considered well below his market value given his contract was set to expire at the end of the current season.
Timber, long known to many as the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, arrives in France having decisively carved out his own reputation as a complete and modern midfielder. His career path saw him develop at the famed Ajax academy before seeking regular playing time at FC Utrecht.
A pivotal 2022 transfer to Feyenoord allowed him to flourish under then-coach Arne Slot, becoming a regular starter, winning the Eredivisie title, and earning his senior debut for the Netherlands national team.
The club’s official statement praised Timber as a “modern midfielder par excellence,” highlighting his comfort on the ball, his ability to break defensive lines with dribbling or passing, and his reliable defensive presence.
The player himself expressed immediate enthusiasm for the new challenge. “Come on Marseille! This is incredible. Olympique Marseille is a big club. There is a great coach and a strong team. I want to win here!” Timber said in his first words as a Marseille player.
He elaborated at a press conference, noting, “The club speaks for itself – they are a really great team. I spoke with Roberto De Zerbi and the feeling was really good”. Timber, who attended Marseille’s dramatic match against Liverpool this week and was struck by the “amazing” atmosphere, also emphasized his tactical fit under the new manager, stating, “The coach has a really clear structure about how he wants to play. I grew up with that in my youth teams – it’s all I know”.
His versatility is seen as a key asset for De Zerbi’s system, with Timber confirming, “I can play wherever I am needed, as a 6, 8, or even a number 10”. This adaptability, combined with his physical and technical profile, makes him a strategic addition for a Marseille side currently third in Ligue 1 and pushing for a place in the Champions League knockout stages.
The transfer is also notable for its timing, coming shortly after a reported disagreement with Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie, and it is expected to facilitate the departure of midfielder Angel Gomes from Marseille.
For Timber, the move represents the next logical step in an ascending career, offering him a prestigious platform in a major European league under a progressive coach.
For Marseille, it represents a savvy piece of business, acquiring a proven, young international talent at a fraction of his potential cost as they strengthen their squad for both domestic and continental ambitions.