Bye Bye, Toto
By: Inara | July 17th, 2008
Sebastien Squillaci is officially gone. Final price was €6.25m plus another half million in incentives, which is more than double what Lyon originally purchased him for two years ago.
In his press conference, Squillaci said that he wanted a new adventure and to continue progressing his career. He failed to mention that his salary has also progressed (it’s doubled now). I hope he has fun playing in the UEFA Cup.
I’m rather sad about this. I’ve never been particularly attached to Squillaci, but his departure surprised me as much as Tiago’s because I wasn’t expecting it. Surely Lyon could have tried to match wages if they really wanted to. And it’s not like he had to worry about Jean-Alain Boumsong pushing him out of the pecking order.
But after the horrible year he endured in the Lyon defense thanks to that crazy injury crisis, maybe he felt a change was in order. He’ll also get the opportunity to play in another league – he’s only ever played in France.
Unofficially, part of the reason for this departure was that this would allow Cris to return to his post in the right side of central defense. He used to play there, but when Squillaci arrived, Cris was put on the left to accommodate him. Cris didn’t appreciate this and complained about this several times – he even threatened to leave once.
Of course, this isn’t the only reason, but I guess when Sevilla came sniffing around, Lyon didn’t fight too hard since at the end of the day, Squillaci is a replaceable player, unlike Cris.
Some of you may be concerned because right now, Lyon are really short of central defenders, but the club have pretty much signed Squillaci’s replacement. They’ve been in talks with Rennes for several days over John Mensah, who has already come to terms with Lyon. The problem is that while Lyon don’t want to pay more than what they will get off the sale of Squillaci, Rennes wants €8m. These details will be sorted out soon, I’m sure.
Category: Transfers
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share
      |
Comments
-
My biggest concern with Mensah is that he’s susceptible to injuries. Also, while I think Mensah is a good replacement for Squillaci, he’s still not on Cris’s level.
I agree with Sam. Boumsong’s reputation is exaggerated. All his showings at Lyon so far have been positive. It just goes to show you how important confidence is, both in himself and from his teammates and coach.
Posted from
United States
-
That’s a shame. I liked the Toulonnais. Hmm… another Julien.
Posted from
United States -
But are Lyon really interested in Mensah?
Posted from
Norway -
“They’ve been in talks with Rennes for several days over John Mensah, who has already come to terms with Lyon. The problem is that while Lyon don’t want to pay more than what they will get off the sale of Squillaci, Rennes wants €8m. These details will be sorted out soon, I’m sure.”
Posted from
Japan -
Why not by Yobo and odemwingie
Posted from
United States -
I want to see someone confirming it, japple. Give me a source…
Posted from
Norway -
Source : Almost every french paper and website
Posted from
France -
To be honest I think Cris is over rated at this stage. He’s decent but not top class. He doesn’t even get his game for Brazil where his competition is Lucio, decent but past it, and Alex who is no great shake at all.
I’m glad were not getting Burdisso since he’s majorly error prone. I haven’t seen much of Mensah but I don’t really favour big, lump defenders with no thought to positional play.
I agree about Boumsong and I was one of his critics. He’s been our most consistant centre half, and been good for France. Even people I talk to who only know his Newcastle days, since seeing him against United in the CL and in the Euros are thinking he’s playing well.
Posted from
Ireland -
I don’t understand french, please give me an English source…
Posted from
Norway -
-
Oh thank you, dear. Hope Lyon buy him…
Posted from
Norway -
“I hope he has fun playing in the UEFA Cup.”
Nice parting shot. *sigh*
Posted from
United States -
First his hair cut, now this. I’ll miss Toto.
Wait, why does Sevilla’s site say
The french player, who has been playing in the European Cup Championship for the past month, will be playing in Sevilla for the next four seasons, signing a contract for his transfer at 18 million euros.
Is that like his release clause or something?
Posted from
United States -
It’s his release clause. I think those are required in Spain (Abidal’s is 90 million euros).
Posted from
United States -
-
i’m not really worried about Cris just yet, obviously the club will have to find his replacement relatively soon, but for now he should stick around in our defense. he’s a guy, like juni, who has received offers to play at different teams, in different cities, for a lot more money, but refused simply because he loves OL so much.
Especially this upcoming season with so many youngsters, it’s important to have a couple veteran players around that the kids can rally around.
Posted from
Japan -
Buc 1- OL 0
goal was caused when the defence fell apart for a one on one with lloris.
Gassama is fast as hell.
And hugo just made a good save.
And another.
Defence is really off today. Huge holes.Posted from
United States -
three of the back four have never played a pro game in their lives. And Reveillere is at RB.
Good to see that Lloris is going good though. It’s suck for him if he had a bad game as his first OL match.
Posted from
United States -
I’ve just bought the tickets to the Partizan – Lyon match, I guess my dream of watching OL play will really come true! I can only hope that Lyon fields its best lineup in Belgrade, I really want to see Juninho, Benzema, Fred, Lloris, Toulalan and Cris instead of the U17 team, and if I remember correctly, OL had already promised to play all their stars. It will definetely be an interesting match, the stadium should be full as Partizan are going to use this friendly as a presentation of their new team for the season with all the glamour and extra activities that come with it. I really can’t wait!
Posted from
United States -
Mensah in Lyon today for €8.5M and a 4-year deal according to L’Equipe.
Posted from
United States -
Mensah is called the ‘Black Cris’.
I disagree with Rush about Cris level. Sonny Anderson was a wonderful striker but he was not oftenly selected in the national team of Brazil, like Cris.
Posted from
United States -
i think the reason why Cris wasnt selected for the starting eleven for Brazil was because of politics. I rate Cris higher than Juan and Brazil play him all the time.
Posted from
United States -
Mensah for 8.4M€, for five years. A little better than originally thought.
Posted from
United States -
Viking : It’s Ush. Sonny Anderson was a good striker, which Brazil are reknowned for, not for defenders. Sonny Anderson was not selected in the Brazil squad because he wasn’t good enough, it was 97-01, they had probably the best strikers of all time during that period in Bebeto, Romario and Ronaldo. Not to mention other attacking players such as Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
Well Juan seems only favoured when Lucio or Alex can’t play. Not sure anyway, Cris hasn’t had a good past two seasons at all whereas Juans been consistant and they won the Copa America with him.
Posted from
Ireland -
NICOLAS: Tomorrow is the Partizan friendly. Lyon are sending out their big players. So take LOTS of pictures!!!
Posted from
United States
Read the rest of the comments
Comments are closed
Home 
