The summer promises to be decisive for Olympique Lyonnais and its American owner, John Textor. In a context where rumors are buzzing around the future ofAlexandre Lacazette, the club could well see its star striker leave. Indeed, as the summer transfer window looms on the horizon, rumors in the corridors suggest a possible departure of the player trained at the club.
Lacazette, returned to his training club in 2022 and under contract until 2023, has greatly contributed to the team’s recent success. His current dilemma: remain loyal to OL or give in to the lure of a tempting offer from Saudi Arabia. Will the eventful season crowned by a European qualification work in favor of Lacazette remaining? The Lyon supporters hold their breath.
Faced with the prospect of losing the man who is among the top scorers in Ligue 1 this year, John Textor already seems to be anticipating. According to Foot Mercato, Lyon are in the running to recruit Georges Mikautadze, a young Georgian international who has been making a splash in recent months. Metz having exercised the purchase option set at €13 million with Ajax for the latter, he should confirm his presence in Ligue 1 very soon.
However, despite this commitment with Metz, everything suggests that Mikautadze will not wear the garnet colors during the next season. The Stade Saint-Symphorien may not welcome the talented striker for long if Lyon and Monaco materialize their interest. With a market value estimated at 20 million euros by Metz wishing to achieve a significant capital gain, Textor must prepare its financial arguments.
If Mikautadze were to sign with Les Gones, it would be a return to his roots for him who was trained at the Lyon Academy without ever having had his chance in the first team. While the future of Lacazette remains uncertain within the Rhone club, the quest for a new center forward capable of thrilling Gerland seems inevitable for John Textor and his technical staff.
In short, Olympique Lyonnais finds itself facing a crucial turning point: retain its emblematic captain or welcome a former house hopeful ready to fully bloom in the Lyon jersey?
