When it comes to the best teams in France, Lyon occupies an undisputed place. With seven consecutive league titles, the club is considered one of the biggest in the country. However, Nicolás Tagliafico’s team is going through one of the most critical moments since its foundation as it has a debt of 500 million euros and, if it is not paid off, it could lose the category at the end of the season. In this context, Italy has shown an interest in the former Independiente to strengthen the defensive zone in the January transfer window.
Juventus have the obligation to include a new player in that ranks after the cruciate ligament injuries of Bremer and Colombian Juan Cabal. That said, the reigning world champion appears as a candidate. With a value of eight million euros and a contract until June 2025, the operation could close for five million, according to Corriere dello Sport, given Lyon’s obligation to sell.
The left-footed full-back, fresh from the Qualifiers with the national team, can also play as a central defender despite his height (1.72) which pleases the eyes of Juve coach Thiago Motta, and could join a new team from the Old Continent. If the transfer is closed It would be his third experience in Europe after the one at Ajax and the French club.
Juventus, it is worth remembering, already has a national team player among its ranks: Nicolas Gonzálezwho suffered an injury to the rectus femoris in his right thigh and missed the matches against Paraguay and Peru.
Lyon’s debt and the need to sell
Due to his serious financial problems, the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) banned him from signing in the next transfer market and warned that, If he doesn’t pay off his debts by the end of the season, he faces relegation to Ligue 2 as a precaution..
The complicated economic situation of the historic French club is not a recent thing. For years, Olympique Lyon has been using the calculator to reduce expenses related to the purchase or sale of players. However, the crisis has reached a critical point: a debt of 500 million euros.
Due to the debt, the DNCG took drastic measures. As a precaution, he announced Lyon’s relegation to the second division, accompanied by a ban on signing in the next transfer market and the obligation to reduce wages to balance the books. Now the club has the challenge of raising 100 million euros in the coming months to avoid relegation to Ligue 2.
What factors led to Lyon’s significant financial debt in recent years?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the latest happenings in football. Today, we’re joined by renowned football analyst and expert in European leagues, Dr. Laura Martinez. Laura, thank you for being here!
Dr. Laura Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s great to discuss the evolving dynamics in European football, especially with a club as storied as Lyon.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Lyon has been a powerhouse in French football, with seven consecutive league titles to their name. However, the current situation seems dire, with a debt of 500 million euros. How did the club reach this critical point?
Dr. Laura Martinez: It’s a combination of several factors, including mismanagement, poor performance on and off the pitch, and the economic impacts of the pandemic. Lyon was built on strong foundations, but recent seasons didn’t meet the expectations required to sustain their financial health. The current debt puts them in a precarious position—failing to address it could see them relegated, which is unthinkable for such a prestigious club.
Time.news Editor: It’s quite concerning. Amidst this turmoil, we’re seeing interest from clubs like Juventus for players like Nicolás Tagliafico. What does this tell us about the market dynamics in January?
Dr. Laura Martinez: The January transfer window is often unpredictable, but it’s a crucial opportunity for clubs to address their deficiencies. Given Tagliafico’s experience and versatility—being able to play both as a left-back and in central defense—Juventus could view him as an essential reinforcement, especially after recent injuries to key players like Bremer and Juan Cuadrado.
Time.news Editor: Juventus certainly has a pressing need, and with Lyon’s obligation to sell, how do you think this impacts Tagliafico’s valuation?
Dr. Laura Martinez: Lyon’s financial situation creates a sense of urgency. Although Tagliafico’s market value stands at around eight million euros, they might accept a lower price, possibly around five million if it secures their cash flow. The club’s willingness to negotiate could result in a win-win for both parties; Juve gains a strategic player while Lyon alleviates some of their financial burdens.
Time.news Editor: With Tagliafico coming off the international qualifiers, how do you see his transition to Juventus potentially impacting the team?
Dr. Laura Martinez: Tagliafico’s recent international experience could be a boon for Juventus. He’s been performing at a high level, and his integration into a new team could be relatively smooth given his familiarity with high-pressure matches. Under coach Thiago Motta, who appreciates his playing style, he can offer solidity in defense while also contributing to the attacking phase—crucial for Juve’s tactical setup.
Time.news Editor: As a final thought, what do you foresee for Lyon if they cannot resolve their financial issues and keep key players like Tagliafico?
Dr. Laura Martinez: If they fail to address their debt, not only could they lose their top talents, but the club may also face severe consequences in the league standings. This could result in relegation, potentially ending their status as one of France’s elite. Maintaining competitive talent and financial stability is essential for any club’s long-term success, and right now, Lyon is at a crossroads.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Laura. Your insights into this situation are invaluable. We all hope for the best for Lyon amidst these challenges, and we’ll be watching to see how the transfer window unfolds!
Dr. Laura Martinez: Thank you! I’m excited to see how everything plays out in the coming weeks.