The American millionaire John Textor, who tried to acquire a position in Benfica’s SAD, consummated this Tuesday the purchase of Lyon, from the French first division, reinforcing his position in football.
“Today is a new beginning for Olympique Lyon. After four months of constructive negotiations marked by a common understanding with Jean-Michel Aulas [presidente do Lyon] and all our partners, we are proud to reach this extraordinary agreement”, welcomed the businessman, in a statement.
The deal was made through the holding company Eagle Football, also owned by Canadian businessman Jamie Holder, and which already controls the Brazilians from Botafogo and the Belgians from RWD Molenbeek, in the second division, also holding a minority stake in the English side from Crystal Palace.
The agreement was made about half a year ago, however the successive postponements regarding the completion of the deal have left supporters in suspense as to the future.
Lyon is going through a serious financial and sporting crisis, with its historic president, Jean-Michel Aulas, saying in June that Textor “fulfills all the requirements” to take over the club.
The deal sees Aulas, 73, keep the operational management of Lyon, which he has led for 35 years, in addition to joining the management of Eagle Football.
Aulas caught Lyon in the second division and led them to seven consecutive titles in France between 2002 and 2008, as well as two Champions League semi-final appearances in 2010 and 2020.
John Textor, 57 years old, nicknamed “Hollywood’s virtual reality guru”, highlighted the strength of the club’s brand “in sport and entertainment”, assuming the desire to make Lyon the “epicenter” of its projects related to the football.
