KEY POINTS

  • Lyon cashing in on Aouar
  • Liverpool may pass on Aouar
  • Teams previously interested may hold off dealing for Aouar

Multiple teams who had previously expressed interest in Houssem Aouar now have a chance to snag the 21-year-old playmaker. There are now reports that Olympique Lyonnais is ready to cash in on the midfielder with the asking price set at $56 million. Among the teams linked to the French football player include Liverpool, Juventus, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

As of this writing, no team has come forward to negotiate with Lyon. Liverpool is one of the alleged aggressors for the services of Aouar but has not made direct contact with him or the team, RMC Sport reported. The last known team that made an aggressive push for the French national was Manchester City last summer. Unfortunately, the offer was rejected and Aouar was persuaded to stay one more year by Lyon.

But as most may have heard. the landscape of clubs right now has changed dramatically. Most teams are now financially in trouble and it appears Lyons want to cash in if there are clubs ready to meet their asking price for Aouar. But a factor that could play in is the 21-year-old midfielder's preference to play in the Champions League. If that is a factor, City may find itself at the back of the line.

Manchester City is facing a two-year ban from UEFA although there is an appeal being made. If that does not get overturned, Liverpool could be the frontrunner for Aouar's services. But then again, other teams could try to outwit The Reds. Chelsea seemed poised to get Aouar to Stamford Bridge, offering $54 million to Lyon before the coronavirus outbreak. With teams cutting down expenditures, It remains to be seen if Frank Lampard can still offer at least the same figures for Aouar.

Liverpool is practically in the same scenario. They too are trying to curb down on spending for high-profile players. With a souped-up roster, Jurgen Klopp does not have to add more expensive players in the mix. Though there have been big names linked to them such as Timo Werner, The Reds are likely to pass up on any major signing for now. Assuming that the financial status of clubs improves by next season, it could be a different story next summer. Right now, it is all about teams willing to spend big on players - something that may depend on how much budget they have allocated.

When will Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool be able to start their Premier League title party?
When will Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool be able to start their Premier League title party? AFP / Adrian DENNIS