Ligue 1 - Lyon spend big on Lille duo
Ligue 1 - Lyon have splashed out big money in the transfer market,
buying Lille's Mathieu Bodmer and Kader Keita for a combined 24.5
million (£16m). "Keita cost 18 million euros including two million
of profit-sharing. Bodmer cost 6.5 million euros," Lyon chairman
Jean-Michel Aulas said.
Bodmer is considered one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1, and
played a key role in the club's qualification for the Champions
League last 16.
The bonus granted to Keita is linked to Lyon's qualification for
the first knockout round of the Champions League over the next four
years.
The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international striker scored nine goals
in 36 league games for Lille this season, and his transfer fee
seems extraordinarily high.
The double signing may indicate they are preparing for life after
Florent Malouda, who is the subject of interest from Liverpool,
Arsenal and Chelsea.
