After the sale, Jean-Michel Aulas is delighted: “A great day for OL”

“We carried out this quite exceptional operation which took a little longer than initially imagined, explained the 73-year-old leader. John Textor was able to find the structures that will allow Olympique Lyonnais to find themselves in the Eagle holding company with other clubs that belong to it directly or indirectly, to try to develop an ambitious structure in the world of European clubs.“He has confirmed that he will remain as CEO”for a minimum period of three years“and keep”just under 9% of the capital of OL Group“.

“The operation is huge. I understand that there is an expectation. It brings together a number of clubs, and that’s why it took longer than expected. Elements have been beyond John Textor’s control, particularly in talks with the Premier League over Crystal Palace joining the operation“, specified the president of Lyon.

Active in the winter transfer window

“There was also a changing economic context with the fall of the dollar against the euro, the currency of the transaction, and the rise in rates due to inflation. But John was extremely present from start to finish. We collaborated at all times to find the solutions. He is a passionate person who wants to commit to making OL the flagship club of this Eagle structure.“, he added.

In addition, Jean-Michel Aulas, who will be independent director of Eagle as a consultant, also specified that OL would be active in the January transfer window to strengthen the team, only 8th in Ligue 1, thanks to the contribution financing of the capital increase of 86 million euros provided for in the agreement. “The contribution is exactly 107 million euros because in the negotiations, the bankers asked to ensure a reduction in the stadium’s debt to the tune of 50 million euros to give more breathing space to OL Group. But we will already, depending on the needs, participate in the January transfer window with the new (financial) possibilities that have arisen.“, confirmed JMA.