Issa Diop is edging closer to leaving Premier League giants West Ham United and Watford full-back Hassane Kamara could join him at Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, as reported by L’Equipe.
From ‘Ly-on to Ly-off’.
With Manchester United hi-jacking a £12 million move for Feyenoord flyer Tyrell Malacia at the 11th hour, Lyon suddenly find themselves all the way back in the familiar surroundings of square one.
Malacia has left Les Gones under no illusions about his desire to join Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford. This comes after Feyenoord director Frank Arnesen confirmed that an agreement had been reached with United on Tuesday.
This means Lyon will have no choice but to begin their pursuit of a new left-back all over again. Reports emerging from the other side of the Channel claim that Kamara, who was relegated with Watford in May but impressed in France with Nice, could quickly become Peter Bosz’s ‘Plan B’.
Tyrell Malacia snubs Lyon for Manchester United
Kamara only joined Watford for £3.5 million in January. But the chance to escape England’s second tier and join one of the biggest clubs in France – albeit one who missed out on European qualification – should appeal to the 28-year-old Ivory Coast international.
Their fingers burned by Malacia’s most unexpected of U-turns, Lyon will be praying that history does not repeat itself as they ‘intensity’ discussions to bring former Toulouse captain Diop back to his homeland.
The now-25-year-old centre-back has just 12 months left on his contract. And, following the arrival of Nayef Aguerd from Rennes, West Ham will not stand in Diop’s way if he wishes to leave for a club capable of offering regular first-team football, according to The Standard. Diop started just ten league games in 2021/22.
And Lyon have been interested for some time, with discussions hotting up of late.
The 2020 Champions League semi-finalists have already lured one player from across the Channel this summer. Lyon re-signed fans’ favourite Alexandre Lacazette after his Arsenal contract expired.
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