Lyon put majority of squad on transfer market

Lyon put majority of squad on transfer market

The Ligue 1 side is aiming to raise €100 million before the transfer window closes.

Olympique-Lyonnais-AFP
Olympique Lyonnais have spent €134 million in the past two months, more than any other club in France. (AFP pic)
LYON:
French Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais have placed the majority of their squad on the transfer market in an attempt to reach their financial sales target before the end of the transfer window, French newspaper L’Equipe reported on Thursday.

“The management of OL has just sent out the message that, from now on, just about everyone is for sale, as long as someone pays the right price,” the newspaper said.

When asked about the report by L’Equipe, a spokesman for Olympique Lyonnais told Reuters that they do not comment on market rumors.

The French side aims to raise €100 million before the transfer window closes. L’Equipe reported that they still needed €75 million to reach their target.

They have spent €134 million in the past two months, more than any other club in France. In July, they spent a club record €34 million to sign defender Moussa Niakhate from Nottingham Forest.

On Thursday, the seven-time Ligue 1 champions announced the transfer of French defender Mamadou Sarr to Racing Club de Strasbourg for €10 million.

Last month, Lyon assured Ligue 1’s financial authority that they would accumulate €100 million in sales this summer, avoiding any further restrictions from the league’s financial watchdog.

Last December, the club raised more than €300 million to refinance their debt.

Lyon are owned by Eagle Football Group, an investment holding company listed in Paris that also owns stakes in Brazil’s Botafogo, Belgium’s RWD Molenbeek, and Crystal Palace in England.

John Textor, an American businessman who controls the group, has indicated his interest in selling his stake in Palace to acquire Everton.

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