Lille president Olivier Letang has hit out at Sunderland defender Thomas Meunier, insisting he asked for 4x his wages to stay at the French club this summer.
RTL cover comments from Letang today. He wants to share his side of the story following Meunier’s claims before he joined Sunderland.
The outlet explains that the ‘minor spat’ between Meunier and Lille continues following his summer exit.
Initially Meunier announced his desire to stay at the French club this summer. He claimed at the time that the outcome was “more the president’s decision than mine”. He maintained that stance when he left and joined Sunderland on a free transfer.
Letang responds
Now, though, Letang has responded. He wants to set the record straight about what went on behind the scenes. As far as he’s concerned, he is not the villain of the piece.
“I adore Thomas Meunier, and I sent him a quick hello,” he said.
“He said I was the one who decided he shouldn’t stay. But if you ask me for four times the club’s highest salary…”
“What do you think I’m going to say? I’m going to say: ‘No, that’s not possible.’ I’d like to, but I can’t. Because I’ve set a framework for myself, and I don’t want to deviate from it.”
Lille story makes sense
Who you choose to believe, is up to you. But it should be pointed out that financial strength is very much the aim for Letang at Lille.
This summer alone they posted a positive balance of €120m. Last season that tally was €60m. there is clearly a plan at the club to remain profitable and secure profits wherever they can.
It is therefore easy to imagine Letang rejecting any proposal that would see a 34-year-old quadruple his wages by signing a new deal. Indeed, such an agreement would be a crazy financial risk for the club to make.
