Lyon owner is fed up with Saudis: 'Their strategy is to buy everything.'

Soccereco, Staff Writer

Published: 10:59, 27 Jun 2023

John Textor, the owner of Olympique Lyon, has spoken out against the enormous buying spree that seems to be gripping the Saudi Arabian clubs this summer. Not only at the very top of Europe, but also at Lyon and Crystal Palace, another one of Textor's clubs, offers have been pouring in.

"The Saudis want everything. They want my best player at Lyon, my best player at Crystal Palace. Their strategy is to buy everything," said Textor to the Brazilian Canal Do TF, presumably referring to Alexandre Lacazette and Wilfried Zaha, respectively.

For now, Textor can sleep peacefully as it seems that Lacazette and Zaha themselves are not interested in a lucrative adventure in the Middle East. However, it should be noted that Zaha will no longer be seen at Selhurst Park every other week next season.

According to RMC Sport, Lacazette has declined the offer from Saudi Arabia and is currently not interested in moving there. After a successful season, the striker would like to remain at Lyon. Similarly, Zaha, who will be leaving Palace as a free agent, has reportedly turned down an offer, and it was no small offer. The Guardian reported that the winger could earn €35 million per year in Saudi Arabia, but he did not take the bait.