Lyon look to the Scottish Premiership for their next big signing
By Matt English
Lyon look to solve their new winger problem with a bright youngster
Lyon have started the Ligue 1 season with two wins out of three, boasting a plus three goal differential. The offense has looked solid, but the club knows they have a serious problem they need to fix.
The third best goal scorer from last season, Mariano Diaz, has left the club. The hard working forward was a revelation for Lyon at the start of last season, finishing with 21 goals in all competitions.
More from Ligue 1
- Mbappe seeking greener pastures as PSG project threatens to implode
- Kylian Mbappe informs PSG he won’t sign extension past 2024
- Ligue 1: Permutations for the final round of matches
- Three questions after PSG beat Ajaccio ahead of clash with Maccabi Haifa
- Time for PSG ‘to keep the chasing pack at distance,’ says coach Galtier
Unfortunately, Real Madrid have bought Mariano from Lyon, leaving the French club with a bit of a problem. They now have to fill the gap left by Mariano’s departure, which is why they have shifted their focus to the Scottish Premier League.
Lyon is being linked with Celtic forward Moussa Dembele, according to Goal. The French forward has been lighting up the scene in Scotland, coming off a fantastic season where he scored 16 goals for the club.
Dembele has already had an impact on Celtic this season as well. He netted a brace in the Europa League Qualifiers against Alashkert FC while also scoring once in the Scottish Cup against Patrick Thistle.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers does not want to let the player go, but the right offer could just see Celtic sell Dembele. The loss for Celtic would be big, but Leigh Griffiths has proven in the past that he can lead the line for the club.
If Dembele is bought by Lyon, he would give the club a great option up top. After Mariano left, Memphis Depay took up the striker spot in the team. Depay often plays as a left winger for Lyon, but his ability to play through the middle makes him even more dangerous.
Dembele is also able to play left or right wing as well as striker. This will give Lyon a great deal of options for their front three, as the team is often set up in a 433 formation.
If Lyon can land Dembele before the transfer window closes, it will be seen as a fantastic bit of business. Lyon is looking to seriously challenge in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season, and adding a player of Dembele’s quality will help them towards those goals.
Do you think Dembele should force a move to Lyon?