St. Pauli’s Eric Smith features at top of Lyon’s shortlist

St. Pauli’s Eric Smith (28) features at the top of Olympique Lyonnais’ shopping list, according to a report from Foot Mercato. 

Lyon are set to lose elements of their defence this summer. Duje Caleta-Car has been shown the door. The Croatian, unhappy with his situation, looks set to leave OL, as does Warmed Omari, who has had an unfruitful loan spell at the club. He will return to parent club, Stade Rennais, upon the conclusion of his loan deal.

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Reinforcements are therefore targeted in this area of the pitch. As per Foot Mercato, Smith, capable of playing at centre-back or in defensive midfield, has emerged as the priority target. Last season, the Swede played in 34 games for Bundesliga side St. Pauli, all of which came as starts.

Whilst Les Gones’ interest in Smith is strong, the club have not yet made concrete advances to conclude a deal. The club have their meeting with the DNCG, French football’s financial watchdog, later this month, with an administrative administration, issued in November, still looming over them.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle