http://oi40.tinypic.com/nmi7o4.jpg
January Transfer Window
We finished December flying high in the league and a Champions League draw I knew we would win. The upcoming month was a time to strengthen the youth over the next few years and I knew exactly where we would start. Brazil is known for churning out some of the best talent to have ever graced the game; Zico, Pele, Ronaldinho, Romario, Socrates and Garrincha just to name a few. At Lyon, we have not a single Brazilian and I knew there would be some amazing talent that we could poach from the recent youth intakes all across South America.
Scout Anthony Gillot was sent to Brazil at the start of the season and has since reported back several times on outstanding youths that are lighting up the football scene there. He sent over so many game tapes and scout reports that it made my job very easy.
As well as targeting youth, I also needed a back up keeper to John, as Laurent Pionnier wasn’t happy at being a reserve. There was a 22-year old from New York that I had heard about during the international fixture break earlier in the year, Ben Swift. He was soon to be available on a free transfer and I signed him up.
16-year old Abdelaziz Aissaoui is joining from feeder club Laval on a free transfer. Gerard Houllier recommended the player himself, knowing we have the facilities here to make him a French great.
Tassio Bertucci – a 14-year old striker from Corinthians has been signed for €1.1 million. He will join in 2018 and has potential that is unmatched. Born in Sao Paolo, he already has the characteristics to be a fantastic striker.
Edilson is the next player to have agreed to join Lyon. Playing as an attacking midfielder, he has the skill, the speed and passing ability to split the greatest defences. We paid an initialy €4 million for him, with another €1 million spread over 24 months. He is a player that could have been involved in the first team this year if he was already at Lyon.
Guilherme Augusto is a speedy winger who has fantastic dribbling skills and outrageous flair for a 15 year old. Signing for €1.8 million, the Belo Horizonte born left winger will be a threat to any team he lines up against.
The final youngster to join is one out of Lanus, Argentina. Having played 31 times for River Plate already and at the age of 18, Luis Martinez Poch is a great future right back. He has exceptional defensive skills and a bit of pace that will give him an advantage. He joins for an initial €3 million.
The final signing is one that will slot right in to the 1st team squad at 26 years of age. His contract was expiring at Udinese and I jumped at the chance to bring him in to the team, as he will provide excellent cover in many different positions. Kwadwo Asamoah is a strong defensive player and will hopefully be of great use in the next European campaign.
Thus concludes a very productive and efficient transfer window for L’OL. I can see the squad getting ever stronger with these players joining us and look forward to introducing them in to the great culture and club we have here.