Faris Moumbagna’s Haunting Start at Cremonese: A Journey into the Unknown

Faris Moumbagna joined Olympique de Marseille in January 2024 with hopes of shaking up the team’s attack, which revolved around Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a struggling Vitinha. Unfortunately, the Cameroonian forward suffered a serious knee injury on the opening day of the last season, preventing him from showcasing his talents at Marseille. After a long recovery period, he couldn’t catch up with the team’s rhythm, especially since Roberto De Zerbi no longer considered him for the upcoming season.

Last summer, Moumbagna was asked to train with the reserve team in Pro D2, a clear indication he was not in the club’s future plans. Faced with stiff competition and labeled an unwanted player, the 25-year-old eventually found a way out in Italy, where Cremonese, newly promoted to Serie A, expressed interest in him. Marseille quickly confirmed a loan deal with a purchase option valued at €7 million, alongside an immediate fee of around €300,000. This transfer was part of the club’s strategy to reduce their squad and offered a chance for Moumbagna to revive his career. However, four months later, he is still struggling to make an impact on the field.

14 minutes played since August

His start in Italy has been just as challenging as his time at Marseille. Plagued by recurring muscle issues, Moumbagna has spent more time recovering than playing since his arrival. With only 14 minutes on the pitch, one brief appearance, and already missing eight matches due to injury, his integration at Cremonese remains extremely limited. This tough period continues for a player who is struggling to keep up with training sessions and demonstrate the consistency needed to impress. Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy (4 goals) and Federico Bonazzoli (4 goals) have been performing well, complicating Moumbagna’s path back into the squad.

Behind the impressive duo of Vardy and Bonazzoli, other players are waiting for their chance. This includes Jeremy Sarmiento, on loan from Brighton, as well as Manuel De Luca (1 goal), David Okereke, and Antonio Sanabria, all previously sought by coach Davide Nicola during last summer’s transfer window. However, a glimmer of hope emerged last weekend when Moumbagna was included in the squad against Bologna, sitting on the bench for the first time in a while. This gradual return could signal the start of a genuine comeback, if his body finally allows it. Although nothing is certain, the Cameroonian forward is beginning to see an opportunity to reinsert himself into the rotation and prove his worth in Serie A.