Ernest Nuamah’s frank confidences about his turbulent summer at OL

In the summer of 2023, OL had to tinker during their summer transfer window. Indeed, after severe restrictions from the DNCG, the Rhone club had to make a series of financial arrangements to strengthen itself. In this lackluster summer, the most exciting arrival was undoubtedly that of Ernest Nuamah (20 years old). Considered a huge crack on the Nordsjaelland side, renowned for unearthing Ghana’s biggest nuggets, the 19-year-old winger had enormous odds on the market. However, the left-hander chose to join Lyon who, thanks to John Textor, had managed to obtain the player’s loan after Molenbeek, which also belongs to the American owner, had recruited the player. After these surprising behind the scenes, it’s time for the field. And on the field, number 37 of Olympique Lyonnais was in difficulty like his team. Despite a phenomenal first match against PSG, the twirling winger then alternated between good and not so good.

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During the Gones’ successful second half of the season, the Kumasi native did not shine and was even hampered by numerous injuries. After a checkered first season, doubts about the player’s real level were allowed. Uncertainties also visibly present in the minds of the Gones staff, also tormented by financial problems. Therefore, a possible sale of Ernest Nuamah was seriously considered between Rhône and Saône this summer. In this sense, the Rhone leaders very quickly received phone calls from England about the will-o’-the-wisp. And so, the temptation of a sale of Nuamah transformed into real desire. Recruited for 28 million euros the previous summer, the right winger was sent to Fulham on the last day of the transfer window. Finally, the former Right to Dream Academy prodigy took his destiny back into his own hands.

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Ernest Nuamah stayed at OL to continue to grow

Passing his medical examination in Lyon while shedding a few tears of disappointment, the 20-year-old player finally decided not to give any further news even though he was expected to sign his contract with the London club. A situation which therefore made the transfer null and void. And while John Textor apologized to the player following this rather traumatic event, the Ghanaian no longer spoke about this turbulent summer. Present this Friday at a press conference two days before the reception of Nantes in Ligue 1, Nuamah finally came out of silence. Firstly, the latter took the opportunity to explain the reasons which pushed him to stay in the Rhône: “that was my goal from pre-season: I wanted to stay to develop here as a player, play in Europe and help the team. That was my plan. The environment is favorable to my development. I like the style of play, it was my decision. I love the stadium, I love everything here.“And while he initially doubted the love shown to him in Lyon, Nuamah said he was very touched by the public’s support for him following this summer episode: “Yes, it was nice to see the messages from the supporters. I had my own plans and wanted to stick to them, but it was very touching to receive all these messages. Now I just have to express myself more on the pitch, score goals and help the team. I think that’s what will make the fans happy.”

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From now on, as Nuamah points out very well, he will have to do much better on loan. Author of six goals and three assists in 43 matches last season, the Ghanaian international (12 caps, 3 goals) must do much better and he is capable of it. To do this, he will already have to find a starting place in the face of the fierce competition that reigns in the offensive sector of Les Gones. Considered as a simple replacement in the eyes of Pierre Sage, OL number 37 intends to change the situation and respects the choices of a coach whom he respects very much: “I have my own style of play, and I know what I need to work on. I focus on my weak areas to improve, and I work in training to apply that on the field. I need to work more on my finishing to be able to score more goals and help the team. What I expect from my coach is to give me confidence. That’s what he’s been doing since he arrived, and it’s something I really appreciate.» With an endearing career, endowed with great qualities and a lover of OL, Ernest Nuamah has all the weapons to establish himself in the hearts of Lyon.