Valencia Throw in Morientes for Kallstrom while Lyon Eye Reyes

By: Inara | July 23rd, 2007

I have a sneaking suspicion that Valencia coach Quique Sánchez Flores read my testimonial to Kim Kallstrom because I think of no other explanation for Valencia’s sudden and excessively heavy interest in him.

Unable to sign Lucho Gonzales from Porto and Wesley Sneijder from Ajax, they are seriously considering Kallstrom as a good alternative – and worse, they aren’t even denying it! In fact, they are fanning the fires by saying things like “Kallstrom is more of an organizer than Lucho and suited to Valencia’s playing philosophy.”

They really really want Kallstrom, who doesn’t command the same fees as Lucho and Sneijder and also fits within their salary structure. Lyon have already rejected a €12m bid, and since everyone knows how desperate Lyon are for a striker, Valencia may throw in unwanted Fernando Morientes into the deal.

I feel very conflicted about this. Lyon have lost so many players – particularly midfielders – this summer. With Tiago, Malouda, and now Diarra gone, Lyon’s attacking midfield is super light and will need reinforcements for sure. And we’ve recently been starting to see how much Kallstrom has to offer on the pitch. He’s a player with a bright future, and I think Lyon would be foolish to let go of him.

Would Morientes trade the Mestalla for the Gerland?

But it is a good move for Kallstrom, which is what’s scaring me. Valencia would offer Kallstrom more in terms of a sporting prospect and perhaps a slight wage increase with the benefit of lower taxation. He may not be guaranteed a starting spot there, but he doesn’t really have one at Lyon either. And unlike Lyon, Valencia have been CL finalists. In fact, if I were Kallstrom, I’d be very tempted.

About Morientes – he’s experienced, seasoned, and has prior experience in L1 (he spent a year on loan at Monaco). And as Jo pointed out, his 31 years of age aren’t as much of a handicap when you consider that it would give Karim Benzema more playing time. The problem is, Morientes wasn’t that great in L1 – he scored only ten goals (though he really shined in the CL, which is probably what Aulas is interested in).

But the most troubling part is that Lyon didn’t even fight Valencia off. This attitude is really troubling and is showing a lack of ambition in their recruitment policies. I don’t mind having Morientes but not at the expense of Kallstrom. So let’s hope that Morientes does what most foreign players do – turn down Lyon (I can’t believe I’m saying that, but I like Kallstrom too much).

In even more bad news, Lyon have been checking out Jose Antonio Reyes of ~~Arsenal~~Real Madrid. Is Aulas that desperate to bring in a “name” that he will choose one like Reyes?

I’m not bashing Reyes here, as I think he was a good player, but he’s even moodier than Fred! I seriously doubt Lyon have what it takes to keep him happy. In fact, Lyon’s weather might not suit him. And despite the city being the gastroeconomic capital of the world, he might not like the food either.

Jean-mimi, it’s too risky! Lyon can’t afford any more locker room shenanigans.

If I close my eyes, I can almost pretend the Jerome Rothen and Guirane N’Daw rumors aren’t real but a figment of my imagination.