Proud of its beginning of mercato, Olympique Lyonnais finally ended with a lot of criticism. Like the transfer of Lucas Paqueta to West Ham, not compensated, some decisions have surprised. Hence the reaction of the leaders to justify themselves.
“There may be coaches, in other Ligue 1 clubs, who are trying to leave because they are jealous of the recruitment we are doing.” Two months later, the director of recruitment Bruno Cheyrou has reason to regret his tackle on Olympique de Marseille and its former coach Jorge Sampaoli.
Ponsot explains the Paqueta case.
The rest of the Phocaean mercato was much more convincing, unlike that of Olympique Lyonnais, whose choices have attracted much criticism. How can a team often lacking creativity afford to sell Lucas Paqueta? The Brazilian midfielder’s contract only expired in 2025, and president Jean-Michel Aulas loves to remind people that his club is in good financial health. As a result, fans are questioning and accusing the management of having privileged the economic aspect. What Vincent Ponsot denies categorically.
The Aouar problem.
“It is hypocrisy the case Paqueta, reacted the director of soccer in L’Equipe. We anticipated knowing that he wanted to leave. If he had wanted to stay, there would have been no problems but we tried to extend him in March-April, we did not find an agreement. He found his interest there.” The OL also finds itself there thanks to the 43 million euros (excluding bonuses) negotiated with West Ham. This amount could have allowed Lyon to replace its best player. But the failure for Houssem Aouar apparently thwarted the plans. “We had also planned that if Moussa (Dembélé) and Tino (Kadewere) left, we had a replacement. And if Aouar and Paqueta left, too. Moussa and Houssem are there”, explained Ponsot. explained Ponsot. Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Betis Sevilla, Nice … The midfielder under contract until 2023 has not yet lacked solicitations. The problem is that the Gone and his superiors were never on the same wavelength.
Room for youth.
“He did not find the right club, once it was on his side, another on ours, but we worked well with him and his advisors,” said the director, not unhappy not to have compensated for the departures of the offensive sector. Bruno Cheyrou explained to the daily newspaper that this choice leaves room for young Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki, who surely received sporting guarantees after his recent extension. Finally, let’s remember that the calendar of Lyon, without European Cup, does not necessarily require a large workforce.
