Is this time right? Almost five months after entering into exclusive talks with OL Group, John Textor has never been closer to taking control of the club. After two successive postponements, on September 30 and October 21, his company Eagle Football is to become the owner of the club this Thursday, buying the shares of Pathe (19.3%), IDG (19.8%), Holnest (27.7%), and the family. Holding company of Jean-Michel Aulas.
OL Group announced in a financial press release on Wednesday evening that it is suspending the quotation of the shares from the market opening this Thursday. “A press release regarding the deal with Eagle Football is yet to be published”. As revealed by L’Équipe on November 9, a new postponement is still possible as Textor, Crystal Palace’s majority shareholder, struggles to get approval from the English league to take over the Lyon club.
Future adjustments in the organization chart?
But from sources close to the US, “The closing process is progressing as planned” While in OL, the actors in file ensure that the latter enters “Money Time”. It meant that recognition of English authority had finally arrived. Another piece of encouraging news came from DNCG this Wednesday evening. A texter appointment was made via video conference in the afternoon. Jean-Michel Aulas also attended this oral, and according to our information, it went very well. The DNCG should make its recommendations during the day, even if they are only advisory.
When OL joins the Eagle Football Galaxy, the Lyon president will remain at the helm of the club in a managerial capacity for three years. But it didn’t take long for Textor to make some changes to the club’s organization chart. Douglas Friedman, Crystal Palace’s current sporting director and trusted man of America, was at Groupama Stadium last Friday during OL Nice (1-1). Ian Moody, who is associated with OGC Nice as an external consultant, has also recently become closer to Lyon operations.