Brazilian could join new club after Everton and Newcastle failed to sign him

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Lyon are reportedly interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger David Neres, who was wanted by Everton and Newcastle United in January yet is now free to join a new club for the remainder of the season.

According to Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 side are looking to sign a player from the Ukrainian Premier League, with the league suspended following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that has left football virtually abandoned in the country.

Whilst millions flee to leave the country, FIFA have since announced that players from both Ukraine and the Russian Premier League will be allowed to move clubs for the remainder of the season, with Neres potentially on the move back to western Europe.

The winger joined Shakhtar this January for a reported €20m (£17m), yet Neres is yet to play a minute of football for the Ukrainian giants, and as per the report, the Brazilian superstar is currently back in his home country after fleeing the war.

Now, though, it appears that Neres could be on his way back to playing football, with Lyon interested in the 25-year-old winger, and this particular news could come as a blow for both Everton and Newcastle.

The pair were both linked with Neres in the January transfer window, and whilst Premier League clubs can also technically sign players from Ukraine, both Everton and Newcastle look unlikely to reignite their interest in Neres with Lyon eyeing a move.

Lyon move perfect for Neres despite Everton and Newcastle’s interest

Football is probably the last thing on Neres’ mind given the circumstances he is currently experiencing, yet with Lyon reportedly interested in signing the Everton and Newcastle target, a return to football could mentally be perfect for the winger.

Indeed, football has been used as a coping mechanism for many during the past few weeks since Russia’s senseless invasion of Ukraine, and for Neres, a return to the sport could give him the hope he needs to get back on his feet and to inspire others that hope is not lost.