He has been at OL for eleven years. Eleven years old that the young man Houssem Aouar, only 22 years old, has been exploring every corner of this club which he knows perfectly. Where he is pampered. And respected. “Young people with talent, we have seen them pass through the OL training center. Houssem, undoubtedly, is one of those with the best touch of the ball ”, certifies Bernard Lacombe, legend of the club. Now retired, the former faithful advisor to President Aulas has observed players. Dozens and dozens. He knows what he is talking about. “This season, Houssem has often been decisive in big games. He managed to bring that extra something, especially in the first leg against Juve. This is what is expected of him, that he still surprises us, ”notes Lacombe.
Against Turin (1-0 for OL) in the first leg on February 26, Aouar released a great performance with in particular a high class overflow on the goal of Lucas Tousart, the only one of the match. He shone. Juve saw it. Juve, the opponent of OL this Friday, is also absolutely not insensitive to the profile of the young Rhone. From an Italian source, the interest of the Piedmontese for Aouar has not declined in recent weeks.
Because, yes, OL expect to lose their midfielder this summer. The question of his departure was already raised last year. But Juninho, the newly appointed sporting director, absolutely wanted to keep the young talent who had taken his famous number 8 at OL. Aouar had wondered before finally deciding to stay at least one additional season in Lyon where he is under contract until 2023.
In the event of a satisfactory offer, Lyon will not retain it
The deal is clearly different this summer. In the event of an offer deemed satisfactory, Lyon will not retain it. OL which, barring a miracle in the Champions League, namely a final victory, will not play in the European Cup next season. A first since… 1996. “It is tacit between the two parties. There is no moral agreement but everyone at the club knows it, ”blows a source from Lyon.
In short, in case of a good offer, Aouar will leave. As for Moussa Dembélé, by the way. Manchester City do not even hide their interest as another big European club, other than Juve. Obviously, with the coronavirus crisis, the delayed end of the season, the end of the Champions League at the end of August, the economic problems for some clubs, the transfer market is difficult to read. This can offer surprises.
Close in particular to Memphis Depay in the locker room, Aouar is eagerly awaited by all the people of Lyon this Friday evening. Him, the last great representative of Lyon know-how, with Anthony Lopes. Soon, it will probably be time to follow in the footsteps of Benzema, Lacazette, Umtiti or Tolisso in the biggest foreign clubs. But, before, there is still a real feat to be achieved.
