One of the most promising talents in Ligue 1 right now, Houssem Aouar is being carefully managed by Lyon’s manager Bruno Génésio.
Normally a regular starter, the 19-year-old has only started one of the last four league games, pushed to one side for a bit.
Aside from that, the Lyon starlet is enjoying a strong first season, and is showing exactly why the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool are/have been interested in his talents.
The rumour sending him to Anfield isn’t exactly new, as it appears the Reds are being linked with every young midfielder in France these days (Lopez, Bahlouli…), and Aouar has certainly been made aware of the interest.
Speaking to France Football, he said: “I hear the rumours, like you. I have ears! I have eyes too, to see a few things left and right. The guy who says doesn’t hear stuff or listen to anything, it’s not true. But there’s nothing you can do. All that doesn’t bother me.
“I’m well protected with my family. It’s nice to hear, but I’m not getting carried away. My feet are firmly on the ground. I’ve only got a good half-season behind me, and I have everything to develop at Lyon.”
The youngster then goes on to list the reasons why staying in France, for now, is what is best for him, but he certainly doesn’t sound too unhappy at the thought of moving to a bigger club down the line.
Asked if Barcelona is a destination that makes him dream, he said: “Of course, but like every great club! It’s normal to be ambitious at 19”.
Whether his path to Barcelona, like a certain Luis Suarez, will take him via Liverpool remains to be seen, but at the rate he’s going, he might even be able to make the jump directly.
Like Samuel Umtiti.
