Signing for Crystal Palace in 2015 after leaving Anderlecht, Jason Lokilo slowly but surely made his way through the ranks at Selhurst Park, eventually starting in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win over Ipswich in the EFL Cup last year.
However, this show of faith wasn’t enough for the 19-year-old, who wanted first-team football to help his development, moving to FC Lorient in Ligue 2 on loan this summer with an option to buy.
Speaking to Le Télégramme, the young forward explained his reasoning behind the move, and why he chose the French club in particular despite interest from elsewhere.
He said: “As soon as they came forward, I didn’t hesitate. For me, Lorient is synonymous with good football, like a mini Barcelona. Two years ago, Cabaye told me they were a good club. I don’t know many people here, but I know there’s quality. Many players who came here became great players.
“Look at Guendouzi, now at Arsenal. It’s a very serious club who help youngster develop and that’s exactly what I’m looking for. It’s a club with a lot of ambition, who, in my eyes, should be in Ligue 1 and not in Ligue 2”.
Revealing that his dream is still the Premier League, Lokilo explains that just because he’s come to France doesn’t mean he’s given up on it, but just that he knew he wouldn’t be featuring regularly under Roy Hodgson.
While he didn’t feature in his new side’s 1-0 win against Grenoble on Monday, he now has eight days or so to convince Mickaël Landreau he deserves a spot for the game against Red Star FC on September 14th.
