Jean II Makoun to Lyon Would Be a Dream Come True

By: Inara | May 14th, 2008

On my list of players that I want transfered to Lyon, Jean II Makoun is #2 (you all know who #1 is). He’s a midfield beast who has his share of technical qualities, and he scares the shit out of any player.

He’s so awesome. I love watching him play. I love his name. I even love his crazy hair. Actually, I just love him, period.

But you know what I’d love even more? Makoun in a Lyon kit. And I know that I’m not the only one.

Word on the street is that Lyon will be moving for Makoun this summer. The club learned (the hard way) that one defensive midfielder isn’t enough (Jeremy Toulalan is practically divine, but not even he’s unbreakable). In fact, Lyon were interested in Makoun for the last two years, but Lille were unwilling to part with him. He’s an integral part of Claude Puel’s team, which is why, even with the loss of other important players, they may end up in Europe anyway.

Makoun could have moved to better pastures last year, but he is extremely loyal to Puel, and knowing that Lille would not be able to survive without him after they lost all those other players, he put off his own plans to stay. However, Lille are now willing to listen to offers. Given that Lille’s owner, Michel Seydoux, is the brother of Jerome Seydoux, one of Lyon’s biggest shareholders, they’ve learned enough foot business from Jean-Michel Aulas to know when to sell a player.

Of course, Makoun is an established talent and has his share of suitors. Juventus want him, Manchester United and Barcelona are long time admirers, and Arsenal have targeted him as a potential replacement for Mathieu Flamini. Additionally, other EPL clubs interested are Tottenham, Manchester City, and Newcastle. Within France, Monaco and Marseille, along with Lyon, are also keeping tabs on him.

But apparently, Makoun wouldn’t mind moving to a bigger French club (which almost always means Lyon). In a recent interview, he said that he spoke with Lyon officials (which means that Lille must have given him permission to do so) and that he thinks that this transfer is a very real possibility.

The media are reporting that his transfer fee would be around €14m (Makoun’s buyout clause). But since Lyon always pay Lille extra (the brotherhood connection), I’m guessing it will be around €15m. That’s a lot of money, but Makoun is quality and definitely one of the most underrated midfielders around.

He had this to say about Lyon:

“It would be a great pleasure to join a club of that standing. I’ve been in contact with them and they have also talked with my agent. It’s a really great option for me. I love that club, and it would be really wonderful to play for that team.”

Just imagine Makoun and Toulalan playing together. Oh the beauty.

Although, if Makoun does come, and if Lyon also sign the #1 player on my list, we might have to change the name of the team to Olympique Lillyonnice.