John Textor, owner of Olympique Lyonnais, seems to have found a way to relieve, at least partially, the club's finances. While Lyon is under threat of administrative demotion at the end of the season due to a deficit to make up, the American boss made a strategic move at the start of this winter transfer window to replenish the coffers. A surprise operation which could offer a little respite to OL in a critical economic situation.
A timely transaction
The American businessman has announced the sale of Luiz Henrique, the Brazilian international winger, to Zenit Saint Petersburg. This operation, concluded for 35 million euros, represents a real breath of fresh air for the OL group. Initially expected in Lyon, Henrique was to strengthen Pierre Sage's squad, but the idea of an internal transfer, within the multi-ownership of Textor (Eagle Football Group), would not have had a real financial impact. Conversely, selling the player to a third party club allows for an immediate and beneficial cash flow.
Textor releases a saving sum.
An essential strategy to avoid the descent to OL
This maneuver comes as OL must find 175 million euros by June to meet the demands of the DNCG. With this first sum, Textor shows that it is working to avoid the worst. However, these 35 million euros alone will not be enough. The president of Lyon will have to further increase initiatives in this transfer window, hoping that other transactions can follow to secure the future of the club.
For now, this unexpected sale places Textor as a strategic player, capable of skillfully maneuvering between its different clubs to save OL. But there is still a long way to go.