Lyon are becoming anxious regarding their takeover by Crystal Palace chief John Textor, with a deal yet to be ratified.
That’s according to Olympique et Lyonnais, who cover the situation today as the American businessman continues to try and grow his network of clubs.
Textor invested £86m for a 40% ownership of Crystal Palace in August 2021, having previously been linked with takeovers at the likes of Brentford, Watford and Newcastle.
In January this year he signed a binding offer for 90% of Brazilian side Botafogo and was reported to have added an 80% ownership of RWD Molenbeek in the same week.
It was later reported in June that he had bought Lyon for $846m but Olympique et Lyonnais report that is yet to be finalised.
None of those are being ‘very forthcoming’ about the situation, with the deal postponed twice before being set for November 17th.
Nearly two weeks later the share price is still suspended ‘without the slightest announcement’, something which has caused ‘anxiety and impatience’ among the club’s supporters.
Sources close to the club are ‘still optimistic’, insisting that discussions about a deal are continuing, although the Crystal Palace part owner is refusing to comment on the situation.
The sale depends on the Premier League’s approval of the transfer of his shares in Palace to his holding company Eagle Football LLC. That would bring together his shares in the Eagles as well as Botafogo and Molenbeek.
Interestingly, the Brazilian side are in England on Saturday for a friendly with Crystal Palace, so perhaps Textor will use that trip to arrange another to Lyon to finalise the matter.
Until that happens, though, there is growing discontent about the situation, which appears to be in an eternal state of suspension.
