Maxence Caqueret has transferred from Olympique Lyonnais to Italian club Como for 16.5 million euros, with Lyon retaining a 7.5% sell-on clause. At 24, Caqueret has made 185 appearances for Lyon since debuting in 2019. Additionally, Olympique Marseille is interested in Kevin Danso from Lens, while Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona is considering a move to Juventus. AC Milan is pursuing Kyle Walker from Manchester City, and other transfer news includes Reims signing Hiroki Sekine and Bayern’s Manuel Neuer seeking a contract extension.
Maxence Caqueret Joins Como
The transformation at Olympique Lyonnais continues as they finalize another player transfer. Maxence Caqueret, a talented midfielder who has represented France at the U21 level, has officially moved to the Italian club Como for a fee of 16.5 million euros, as confirmed on Sunday. Currently ranked 6th in Ligue 1, Lyon will also benefit from a 7.5% sell-on clause should Caqueret be transferred again in the future. Como, sitting at 15th in Serie A, is led by manager Cesc Fabregas and boasts notable figures like Thierry Henry and Raphaël Varane on its board. The 24-year-old Caqueret, who hails from Vénissieux (Lyon Metropolis), has been with OL since 2011 and made his debut in the professional team in 2019. He has been a significant contributor to the club, racking up 185 appearances and scoring 7 goals, including a Champions League semi-final appearance against Bayern Munich in 2020. However, this season, he struggled to maintain his starting position, participating in only nine matches in Ligue 1, four in the Europa League, and one in the French Cup.
During the ongoing winter transfer window, OL has also seen striker Gift Orban depart for Hoffenheim in Germany for 9 million euros and has permanently transferred Brazilian Jeffinho to Botafogo for 5.3 million euros after a year-long loan. Additionally, the club has parted ways with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, who has moved to Nantes following the termination of his contract.
OM Eyes Kevin Danso from Lens
The acquisition of Luiz Felipe hasn’t satisfied all the needs for coach Roberto De Zerbi at Olympique de Marseille. Journalist Saber Desfarges reported on the show Téléfoot that OM is contemplating a move for Kevin Danso. However, this interest hinges on potential departures from their defensive lineup. With Abdukodir Khusanov nearing a transfer to Manchester City, RC Lens may be open to letting Danso go, as he was already in discussions for a move this past summer. Despite interest from Bundesliga and Premier League teams, it seems Lens is inclined to keep the Austrian defender until the season concludes.
Ronald Araujo Seeks Exit from FC Barcelona
As FC Barcelona competes in the Supercopa de España, it could be Ronald Araujo’s final trophy with the club. While he shines on the pitch, the club navigates a challenging period off the field, with issues surrounding the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor still unresolved. The Catalan giants have already turned down a 35 million euro bid for Araujo, who recently returned from a six-month injury layoff to feature in a match against Real after Inigo Martinez’s injury. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Araujo has expressed interest in departing to join Juventus in Italy.
AC Milan Pursues Kyle Walker from Manchester City
In their pursuit of reinforcements, AC Milan is now focusing on Manchester City’s right-back Kyle Walker. The Rossoneri had previously shown interest in Marcus Rashford, and now they are in the mix for Walker, who has indicated a desire to “explore his options,” as stated by coach Pep Guardiola. The 34-year-old defender, known for his versatility in playing both center and right-back, is expected to leave City this winter. As reported by The Telegraph, AC Milan is currently leading the charge to acquire Walker, a key player for City since his arrival in 2017. While struggling in Serie A, sitting 8th, the club is still well-positioned in the Champions League.
In Other News…
Reims has secured the signing of Japanese talent Hiroki Sekine.
Manuel Neuer has expressed his desire to extend his contract with Bayern.
Nantes is setting its sights on Sulemana.
Monaco is ramping up efforts to secure Alvarez from Ajax Amsterdam.