FOOTBALL – OL Mercato : Succession Guimaraes, a Belgian hopeful in pole
In search of a replacement for Bruno Guimaraes, who is close to signing for Newcastle, OL is reportedly targeting Orel Mangala of VfB Stuttgart.
OL Mercato: Orel Mangala to succeed Guimaraes
While the transfer of Bruno Guimaraes to Newcastle is imminent, the OL has checked several names on its notebook. The Loire club is looking for the ideal profile to reinforce the Brazilian midfielder in Peter Bosz’s team, before January 31, the closing date of the transfer market. After Romain Faivre (Stade Brestois), Téji Savanier (Montpellier HSC) and Ellyes Skhiri (FC Cologne), the name of Orel Mangala of VfB Stuttgart is associated with Olympique Lyonnais, this Friday.
According to Foot Mercato, the board of the Rhone club “has looked into the case” of the young Belgian international (15 caps), to study the feasibility of a quick transfer. Remember that there are only three days left before the winter market closes.
Mangala’s transfer looks complicated
Orel Mangala is a former target of the OL, since the summer of 2020. However, his transfer looks difficult, because he is a cracker in the team of Stuttgart, playing in the Bundesliga, and his contract runs until June 2024. In 16 appearances in the league, he has been a starter 14 times. In addition, the price of Orel Mangala could cool Olympique Lyonnais. He is listed at 20 million euros on the transfer market, not to mention the bonuses that the management of VfB could add.
The 23 year old player could have been the ideal replacement for Bruno Guimaraes at OL. Versatile, he is comfortable in all positions in midfield (sentinel in front of the defense, right or left back). Physically strong, he easily imposes himself on his opponents and recovers a lot of balls.
