Headline: Lyon Eyes Reims Winger Keito Nakamura Amid Fofana’s Expected Exit
Lyon has expressed interest in Reims left winger Keito Nakamura, age 26, as the club anticipates life without the highly sought-after Malick Fofana, 21, according to reports from Foot Mercato. The Belgium international is anticipated to leave Lyon this summer, with the club needing to sell players after failing to secure a spot in the lucrative UEFA Champions League group stage. Fofana had expressed a desire to stay at Lyon for one more season if they qualified for Europe’s top club competition, but Paulo Fonseca’s team was eliminated this week by Fenerbahçe.
Reports indicate that Fofana has rejected an opportunity to join promoted Premier League club Hull City FC. According to Foot Mercato, Nakamura is among several players Lyon is considering. The Japan international, who joined Reims from LASK in 2023, is already well acquainted with Ligue 1 football, having scored 30 goals in 97 games with the Champagne team. Reims is currently in its second consecutive season in the second tier.
Lyon have enquired about Reims left winger Keito Nakamura (26) as they prepare for life without in-demand Malick Fofana (21), according to Foot Mercato. The Belgium international winger is set to leave Lyon this summer given that Les Gones need to sell to compensate for their failure to qualify for the lucrative UEFA Champions League group stage. Fofana said he’d be keen to remain in Lyon for one final season should Les Gones qualify for Europe’s premier club competition, but Paulo Fonseca’s side fell at the final hurdle this week against Fenerbahçe.
Fofana has reportedly turned down the chance to sign for promoted Premier League side Hull City FC. Foot Mercato adds that Nakamura is one of several players Lyon have enquired about. The Japan international is no stranger to Ligue 1 football. The 26-year-old has joined Reims from LASK in 2023. He has scored 30 goals in 97 games played with the Champagne side. Reims currently play their second consecutive campaign in the second tier.
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