The relationship between Botafogo and Lyon, both part of the Eagle Holding multi-club network, is going through a period of turbulence. The distancing began after the withdrawal of businessman John Textor from command of the French team in June, in addition to attempts by the investment company Ares to remove him from the Rio club. The new dynamic in the management of the French team, now led by South Korean Michele Kang, has reopened the debate about the possibility of new athlete changes, something frequent in the recent past.
The doubt about the continuity of the exchange was accentuated by the recent news of the loan of striker Endrick, ex-Palmeiras and belonging to Real Madrid, heading to Lyon. The player was on the bench in the last six games and has not yet been used by coach Xabi Alonso in the Madrid first team.
New directions in the Botafogo-Lyon relationship
Negotiations between the two clubs, although not ruled out by the black and white board, now treat Lyon like any other institution in the football market. Despite sharing portfolios within Eagle Holding, the “family” relationship, as Textor has already stated, is no longer the same.
Among the athlete transactions and financial loans already made, there is a complicating factor in this process: Botafogo understands that it has money to receive from the French club, a charge that iIt is already in court in Rio de Janeiro. The management of Michele Kang, who saved Lyon from relegation due to financial difficulties last season, disagrees with this debt.
Financial issues and market
Lyon maintains interest in some players in the Botafogo squad, although the specific names have not been made public. The black and white management, however, considers it more advantageous to negotiate these athletes with other clubs in the market.
The assessment is that the financial return from a sale to other institutions would be greater. There is an understanding that Lyon, with current investment restrictions, is unable to compete financially with other potential interested parties in Botafogo’s highlights.
Scenario after recent exchanges
In previous years, clubs carried out frequent exchanges, with Lyon being a preferred destination for athletes who stood out in Brazilian football.
Some of the players involved in these transactions include:
- Jeffinho
- Adryelson
- Lucas Perri
- Thiago Almada
French club restrictions and limitations
A crucial point that limits Lyon’s acquisition of new talent is the regulation of foreigners. The team works withthe limitation of four non-European players in its squad, which restricts the negotiation field with the Rio club.
Although both clubs remain under the same multi-club group, recent management differences and financial issues make the possibility of new exchanges or direct and priority exchanges remote in the current scenario. Lyon is no longer a preferred destination for Botafogo’s most valuable players.
Future transactions and the market
Botafogo’s stance, which prioritizes the greatest financial offer, signals a change in transfer policy within the holding. The priority now is the best economic return for the club, regardless of the destination institution. This new market dynamic is a reflection of recent administrative and financial changes at the French team.
The divergence between the clubs’ boards, added to the limitation of investment and foreigners on Lyon’s side, suggests that future transactions will be handled in a strictly professional and competitive manner, without the facilitation that belonging to the same Eagle Holding could suggest.
