FOOTBALL – OL Mercato: Official end to a defensive lead
In search of a new central defender, Olympique Lyonnais had checked the name of a Belgian international. But this one will not join the OL because he has just re-signed with his club in Germany.
One less defensive track for the OL
Olympique Lyonnais has recorded several departures in central defense this summer. The Rhone club has sold the Dane Joachim Andersen for 17.5 million euros to Crystal Palace of London. If the Turkish Cenk Özkacar is loaned this season to Leuven (Belgium), the Algerian Djamel Benlamri left Lyon for free to pursue his career in Qatar. Following these defections, the management of OL wants to strengthen its backline. So far, they have only recruited Damien Da Silva from Stade Rennais and Henrique from Vasco de Gama. To strengthen, the Rhone club was also looking for an experienced defender in the person of Dedryck Boyata. But the Belgian international (25 caps) will not join Jean-Michel Aulas‘ club this summer.
New contract for Dedryck Boyata with Hertha
The 30-year-old central defender has indeed just re-signed with Hertha Berlin, the club where he is captain. Recruited in July 2019, Dedryck Boyata has renewed his contract with the Bundesliga resident until June 2024. A bad news for Olympique Lyonnais and other courtiers of the Red Devil. Having failed in this case, the OL must now activate a new track. Peter Bosz, the new coach of Lyon, had also launched an appeal to his management after the draw against Stade Brestois (1-1) on the first day of the championship. The mercato is still open until August 31, 2021, Juninho still has time to fulfill the Dutch coach.
