American millionaire John Textor, who was trying to get a position in Benfica’s SAD, completed this Monday the purchase of Lyon, of the French first division, strengthening his position in football.
“Today is a new beginning for Olympique Lyon. After four months of constructive negotiations marked by a common agreement with Jean-Michel Aulas [presidente do Lyon] and all our partners, we are proud to reach this extraordinary agreement”welcomed the businessman in a statement.
The deal was made through the holding company Eagle Football, also owned by Canadian businessman Jamie Holder, and which already controls the Brazilians from Botafogo and the Belgians from RWD Molenbeek, in the second division, which also has a minority stake in the England side of Crystal. Palace.
The deal was finalized about half a year ago, but successive delays regarding the completion of the deal have left supporters uncertain about the future.
Lyon is going through a serious financial and sporting crisis, with its historic president, Jean-Michel Aulas, saying in June that Textor “fits all the requirements” to take over the club.
The deal will see Aulas, 73, retain operational management for Lyon, which he has led for 35 years, in addition to joining Eagle Football management.
Aulas caught Lyon in the second division and led them to seven consecutive titles in France between 2002 and 2008, as well as two Champions League semi-final appearances in 2010 and 2020.
John Textor, 57, nicknamed “Hollywood’s virtual reality guru”, emphasized the strength of the club’s brand “in sports and entertainment”, starting from the desire to make Lyon the “epicenter” of its projects related to to football.
Source: DN
