Rennes and Paris FC scrape the bottom of OL’s drawer
Unused by Pierre Sage since the start of the season, Paul Akouokou urgently needs to find a new club to revive his career. A miraculous offer could come from Stade Rennais during the January transfer window.
Recruited by Olympique Lyonnais in a rush on September 1, 2023, for €3 million from Real Betis, Paul Akouokou has failed to make an impression in Lyon. The 26-year-old Ivorian international played a few Ligue 1 matches last season, but Pierre Sage is not a big fan of the Abidjan native. Proof of this lies in the fact that he hasn’t played a single minute this season, whether in Ligue 1 or the Europa League. Placed in the club’s “loft” over the summer, Paul Akouokou has no hope of gaining playing time at OL, and his departure now seems inevitable.
Of course, receiving offers is necessary for a departure, and a miracle could happen in January, according to information from the website 225foot. The media outlet claims that two French clubs looking for reinforcements during the winter transfer window are interested in the defensive midfielder, who has four caps with the Ivory Coast national team. A new financial powerhouse in French football and currently second in Ligue 2, Paris FC is reportedly in the running and could make an offer to sign Akouokou. However, the most serious suitor for the former Villarreal player is none other than Stade Rennais.
Akouokou pleases Paris FC and Rennes
Jorge Sampaoli is on the lookout for a genuine defensive midfielder to solidify his midfield, and the profile of Paul Akouokou has caught his attention. The French club Stade Rennais could propose a loan with an option to buy, while adopting a different approach compared to Paris FC, who are reportedly keen on negotiating a permanent transfer for Akouokou with a two-and-a-half-year contract on the table. It remains to be seen which option Akouokou will prefer, but one thing is certain: OL (Olympique Lyonnais) will not be picky, provided the player secures a move.
Given the current financial situation at OL under the ownership of John Textor, the departure of the Ivorian international would be highly beneficial for the club, especially to reduce the wage bill, even if the transfer fee is expected to be low.
