In an interview with Téléfoot, former Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas has said that he was surprised by the departures of Castello Lukeba (20) and Bradley Barcola (20) this summer.
Despite the reticence of the club, Lukeba joined RB Leipzig earlier this summer for a reported €35m fee. Lyon were the subject of intense scrutiny from French football’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, throughout the window, which limited Les Gones capacity to spend, but also added an extra incentive to sell some of their most prized assets.
Barcola then also left just before the window. Another product of the club’s prestigious academy, he joined Paris Saint-Germain in a deal reportedly worth €45m. He didn’t have to wait long to make his return to the club, as PSG beat Lyon 4-1 at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking to Téléfoot, former president of the club Aulas, who is currently embroiled in a bitter feud with new owner John Textor, said he was surprised by the pair’s sale. “When I see Lukeba and now Bradley leave, I didn’t expect that. I never would have sold Barcola, never!” said Aulas.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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