Olympique Lyon made a big move in the final week of the summer transfer window, making a $23 million splash to sign AC Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta on a five-year contract.
Paqueta, who joined Milan from Brazilian club Flamengo in January 2019 for a $41 million fee, never quite lived up to expectations with the Italian club and will look to change his fortunes in France.
The 23-year-old Brazil international managed to score only one goal and record 4 assists in 37 Serie A matches during his season and a half with AC Milan. Once valued as one of the most highly-rated young players on Earth, Paqueta never seemed to fully adjust to the Italian game and struggled for what was an at-times dysfunctional club.
Paqueta will now look to take a big step forward on the old continent with Lyon, where he is expected to jump into a starring role with the French giants. He joins a team where he will play with 4 of his countrymen, including fellow midfielders Jean Lucas, Bruno Guimaraes, and Thiago Mendes.
Lyon’s newest star will join the 2019-20 Champions League semi-finalists in training this week ahead of their weekend clash against Marseille.
