Jon Rowe’s Move to Marseille Turns Sour After a Promising Start
Jon Rowe’s impressive performances for Norwich City last season earned him a summer move to Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille. However, his transition to French football has not gone as planned.
A product of Norwich’s academy, Rowe made his Premier League debut in 2021 after signing his first professional contract earlier that year. Despite an injury-hit first senior season, he established himself in David Wagner’s squad last season, helping the Canaries secure a top-six finish with 13 goals and three assists in 38 appearances. His standout performances saw him attract significant transfer interest, and his Norwich exit was marred by controversy, as manager Johannes Hoff Thorup revealed that Rowe refused to play ahead of his £17 million move to Marseille on an initial loan with an obligation to buy.
A Bright Start That Faded Away
Rowe hit the ground running in France, making his debut just two days after joining and scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Lyon in the Derby des Olympiques. The goal, which sparked wild celebrations in Marseille, seemed to justify his decision to move, with the winger expressing his excitement in an interview, stating that the club’s passion and footballing culture aligned with his values.
However, after that early success, Rowe struggled to maintain momentum under Roberto De Zerbi. He followed up his Lyon heroics with a goal against Angers and assists in wins over Montpellier and Nantes, but his last goal contribution came in early November. Since then, he has been sidelined, making only brief substitute appearances in Marseille’s last nine matches.
Reports in January suggested that De Zerbi had lost faith in Rowe, prompting the club to explore potential exits. Despite this, he remained at Marseille beyond the winter transfer window and is now expected to see out the season as a bench option. With the team flourishing in a 3-4-1-2 system that does not favor his playing style, his long-term future in France appears uncertain.
Social Media Activity Reflects His Struggles
Rowe has been active on social media since joining Marseille, frequently engaging with fans on Instagram. His initial posts celebrated his move, and his Lyon winner garnered significant attention. However, in a potential sign of his growing frustration, he has not posted since early January—an unusual shift given his consistent online presence before.
As things stand, Rowe faces an uphill battle to reclaim a key role in De Zerbi’s squad. Whether he can force his way back into the lineup remains to be seen, but his future at the Stade Vélodrome beyond this season is highly uncertain.
