Lyon supporters are undoubtedly looking a little towards Buenos Aires this Saturday. Another John Textor club, Botafogo challenges Atlético Mineiro in the Copa Libertadores final with several players called upon to save OL, on the pitch or behind the scenes.
John Textor is a bit of a Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde in the world of Football. Financially, the American is not a model. He plays a lot with debt, the circulation of capital in the four corners of the world and he remains quite vague about his long-term project. Sportingly, on the other hand, he helps his clubs progress. OL can attest to this, having returned to Europe after 2 years of absence. The best example still remains Botafogo. The Carioca club vegetated in the second division in 2021 while it can do the championship-Copa Libertadores double three years later. This is due to a stronger squad than ever.
Igor Jesus will bring in big money for OL
The main executives of the team are the young Argentinian Thiago Almada, the Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique and the striker Igor Jesus. These three men were intended to come to the Rhône next January but OL's recent financial problems call this project into question. Textor will probably have to sell these strong market values. Lyon supporters will be furious about Almada, the heralded nugget of world football. However, Igor Jesus could bring even more money to Eagle Football Group.
« Igor is the best transfer made by our scouts. Nobody knew him a year ago, and today he is worth 30 million euros », indicates in L'Equipe Pedro Dep, an attentive follower of Botafogo in Brazil. Having passed under the radar of recruiters after 4 years in the United Arab Emirates, Jesus made a strong impression in the Carioca club. He even became a Brazilian international, already scoring his first goal with the Seleçao. Not bad for the man who was to succeed Alexandre Lacazette on the OL side. In view of his current performances, the Brazilian striker is heading to England where West Ham eagerly covets him. The Gones, seriously in debt, will not complain for long about Igor Jesus' new route.
