Premier League transfer target convinced by Serie A switch after Cesc Fabregas call
Today at 12:13 PM
A phone call from Cesc Fabregas was enough for Maxence Caqueret to turn down Premier League interest in favour of a move to Como.
The Lyon star had been the subject of interest from Tottenham, Everton and Crystal Palace, but won’t be plying his trade in the Premier League any time soon.
Instead the Frenchman will leave Lyon to join the Italian side in a deal worth €17million (£14.2million).
According to Foot Mercato, It came after the Arsenal legend called him to convince him to join him in Como.
Following a first ever promotion to the Serie A, Como are flapping to keep their head above water in the Spaniard's first ever full campaign as head coach.
They currently sit 16th, one point off relegation with a game in hand.
Caqueret could be the midfield signing to add distance between themselves and the drop.
Despite his small stature at five foot nine he is defensively sound mostly using his gift of anticipation to sweep up loose passes and dribbles.
On the ball is where he really thrives, being able to play on the half turn and drive his team forward with tight knit dribbling or an incisive passes.
The 24-year-old ranks in the 96th percentile for successful take-ons and progressive passes per 90 minutes, as well as the 91st percentile for tackles per 90 minutes.
The U21 French International has struggled for minutes in Pierre Sage’s team, only playing seven league minutes since the start of November.
Not only would a move benefit him, it would benefit Lyon who are in major financial worries.
In November 2024, Lyon were penalised for their financial mismanagement.
Majority owner and American businessman John Textor faces a significant challenge in balancing the club’s finances while keeping the team competitive.
Pierre Sage's side currently sits in fifth place, which would secure them a spot in the Europa League.
The National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) has imposed a transfer ban for this window and has provisionally relegated Lyon to Ligue 2 at the end of the season.
To avoid this outcome, Lyon must improve their financial situation—a difficult task given their €505.1m (£423m) debt.
This means Lyon's top players will be available for a cut price which may attract for interest from around Europe.
Les Gones are far from their French giant status they once held, winning seven league titles consecutively from 2002 to 2008, also reaching the Champions League semi-finals twice within that time.
