For English football fans, the announcement of Lyon’s relegation came as a complete surprise. But this has been something in the offing for a while – and Leeds United need to take advantage.
Lyon are owned by John Textor, who boasts a stake north of 75% in the club. This is the same Textor that has just sold a 43% stake in Crystal Palace. Lyon expected Textor’s new influx of cash would see them safe.
The French giants were first threatened with relegation last November but this week, the DNGC – France’s body that oversees the finances of clubs – ruled that the financial state had to result in Lyon’s relegation.
Lyon are appealing the decision and remain baffled at the DNGC’s ruling. So there is every chance that Lyon remain in Ligue 1, after finishing in sixth and winning a place in the Europa League qualifying stage.
However, if relegated, a fire sale will be expected at Lyon with the calibre of player at the club obviously far exceeding France’s second tier. Below, we analyse the one player Leeds have to sign if Lyon go down.
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Marcelo Bielsa wanted him in 2021, now Leeds have to move
Back in 2021, Leeds wanted a left-back after Gjanni Alioski’s exit. Eventually, Junior Firpo arrived at Elland Road from Barcelona, but before the Dominican Republic star’s arrival, Leeds wanted Nicolas Tagliafico.
Bielsa was keen to lure his fellow countryman to Elland Road, with The Mirror even reporting Leeds held talks with Ajax to sign Tagliafico. The 32-year-old left-back has spent the last three years with Lyon.
With Firpo off to Betis, a priority for Leeds will be a new left-back. So why not sign the player Leeds had tried to sign under Bielsa before getting Firpo? Tagliafico is about to see his Lyon deal come to an end.
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Lyon had hoped to keep Tagliafico and convince him to sign a new deal. But, if there was any chance of a late deal to extend the 70-time Argentina star’s contract, relegation to Ligue 2 all but ends that hope.
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Nicolas Tagliafico could face Leeds in first Premier League game
Leeds and Everton are scheduled to play on August 18, a Monday night under the Elland Road lights. Already, there are many sub-plots to such a game – Angus Kinnear returning at the very first opportunity.
Jack Harrison is back at Leeds after two years on loan at Everton, and The Toffees are said to be keen on Dan James. James, though, is expected to sign a new contract at Leeds with the Whites ‘close’ to a deal.
However, Tagliafico could be in Everton’s starting line-up come August 18. The Daily Mail claims Everton want to sign the Lyon left-back this summer, on a free. Surely, Leeds should rival The Toffees for Tagliafico.