One of France’s most prestigious clubs, Olympique Lyonnais are set to be relegated to Ligue 2, and it could trigger a fire sale of their best talent, something Leeds United and virtually every other top flight club would surely be alert to.
Daniel Farke has already started this summer window with more backing than he was given during his Norwich City days, with two signings in at Elland Road, and more on the way in due course.
In Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha, Leeds have procured very solid value-for-money additions and it’s a business strategy that the 49ers are sure to continue.
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Could Leeds United secure more bargain transfers with new Lyon relegation bombshell?
If the 49ers wish to land more signings below what they would believe are their fair transfer values, players with contracts running down or players at clubs in tough situations are a worthwhile avenue to explore.
A new opportunity, as harsh as that may sound, has just opened up for clubs across Europe with French giants Lyon facing relegation to Ligue 2.
(REUTERS/Manon Cruz/File Photo)
While Lyon could appeal the decision, their fate appears sealed in dropping out of the top tier for the first time since 1989.
With that, eye-catching players at the Groupama Stadium such as Malick Fofana, Georges Mikautadze, Ernest Nuamah, or perhaps 17-year-old Alejandro Gomez Rodriguez might be subject to plenty of speculation, and Leeds might be in the mood to strike.
Mikautadze in particular could be someone of real interest for Leeds, given the well-documented attempts Leeds have already made to sign a new striker for big money – rejected so far by Fulham for Rodrigo Muniz.
Key catch for Leeds United eyeing any Lyon bargains revealed
Leeds could certainly do with someone of Mikautadze’s, or even Alexandre Lacazette’s attacking quality next season, but there’s a big issue.
Should the 49ers be on high alert to the possibility of a bargain deal, they certainly won’t be alone in their pursuits.
Almost every side in the top flight leagues like Leeds will be casting their eye over a stricken Ligue 2 club boasting serious talent, and a lot of those clubs will be able to offer European football, which Leeds will not.
Having finished sixth in Ligue 1, the players that Leeds would deem worthy of signing also might see themselves capable of playing for more settled clubs, as opposed to another that could well be relegated.