OMNISPORT

After a disappointing 2015-16 that saw Marseille finish 13th in Ligue 1, the club has begun strengthening its squad with the double signing of Henri Bedimo and Hiroki Sakai.

Marseille was unable to mount a challenge for the title or even a European place last season and much will be expected in the upcoming campaign to return the Stade Velodrome club back to the higher echelons.

Following the departure of Benjamin Mendy to Monaco on Wednesday, Marseille has moved swiftly to strengthen its defensive options.

Marseille becomes the eighth French club for Bedimo, the 32-year-old having previously represented the likes of Lens, Montpellier – where he won the league – and more recently Lyon.

The left back, who has played 222 Ligue 1 matches, has signed a deal that will keep him at the Stade Velodrome until 2019.

After making his name with Kashiwa Reysol in the J-League, Sakai moved to Europe with Hannover and made over 100 appearances for the Bundesliga club.

However, following Hannover's relegation his contract expired and Marseille was quick to act and sign him on a four-year contract.