Lyon have finalised a €24 million deal for the FC Porto forward Lisandro Lopez. The record breaking deal is the largest in club history, and will see the Portuguese striker at STADE MUNICIPAL DE GERLAND for a five year contract.

“Lisandro Lopez today signed a professional contract with Lyon for a duration of five years, having passed the traditional medical necessary for the completion of the transfer,” read a statement from the Lyon official club website.

The immeadiate replacement for French international star, and now Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was a no-brainer. I must say Lopez may get the job done.

My only question is whats going on in Porto? They are just selling off stars like crazy! Who is gonna be next to go? I hear almost every year that huge clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona are always interested in star winger Hulk. When I heard of Ronaldo’s departure from Old Trafford I immeadiately thought of Hulk as his replacement, but I was fooled. Now Bruno Alves to Chelsea? The defender has recently said that there has been intrest from Chelsea and he wouldn’t mind a move to the blues.

I’m sure the Portuguese champions are sitting on a mountain of cash after selling off stars like Lopez and Gonzalez to Lyon and Marseille.

So where is that money going to be put to use? I just hope this doesn’t keep FC Porto from another long run in the Chamipons League this season. Last years run was very un-expected as well as entertaining.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Here’s a look at the latest transfer rumours surrounding Ligue 1:

Where do Lyon go from here?

With the recent departures of Juninho, Karim Benzema and Abdul Kader Keita,the club has left many wondering where the 10 time Champion de France cup winners are headed from here?

Who will pick up the void left by these 3 play-makers, as the time closes in on the beginning of this years Ligue 1 season? With both rumours that the club have eyes on Lisandro Lopez of FC Porto and Madrid veteran Rudd Van Nistelrooy, it seems they have a plan for their future after all.

The only concern, is will these 2 be enough for the French club to get back to dominance in Ligue 1? The competition is getting better and better for Lyon, with Bordeaux and Marseille finishing ahead of the club in last seasons dissapointing finish.

Many would assume the club would be on a mission to get some fresh new talent at the STADE MUNICIPAL DE GERLAND, but again maybe Lyon already have some plans in the works. The team is no stranger to success, and no one should take the French powerhouse lightly. It seems it’ll be the waiting game for supporters now.

The club should be looking to start out the season in a postitive way when they take on Le Mans UC 72 in its opening fixture. If I had to guess correctly I’d say the club isn’t out of the news quite yet.

Bangoura in, M’bia wants out at Rennes

Ismaël Bangoura, will be starting another term in Ligue 1 this season. French club Rennes have signed the Guinean to a 4-year deal worth €11m, after spending 2 seasons at Ukranian club Dynamo Kiev

Bangoura, began to bring some attention to himself when he blazed a 25 yard strike into the back of the net against Manchester United back in October of 2007. English clubs Everton, Wigan, and Fulham were said to have made bids for the forward before he decided on a move back to France.

He went on to say in an interview with Rennes official team website “I’m happy to be back! “For the family, for the football and because it’s a good standard of football in France – and the climate can’t be compared to that in Ukraine.” The Guinea international, scored 18 goals in 56 appearences for Le Mans in his previous time spent in France.

M’Bia sets sights on move to Marseille

Stephane M’bia, recently said in an interview with Rennes team website “I’ve chosen OM”. The Cameroonian, hasn’t left any speculation as to where he wants to play as Marseille have been in negotiations over a transfer for the Defensive Mid-fielder with Rennes as of late. OM Director of Football José Anigo, said “Deschamps is preparing a squad with less quantity and more quality”.

This would be a great addition to an already strong defensive mid-field core in Benoit Cheyrou and Lorik Cana, and with the constant speculation of a Cana exit, M’Bia could be a nice replacement for the Albanian.

M’bia’s transfer worth is said to be around €12m, and it looks to be a bit more than OM are willing to dish out after a €25 million pay out for Argentinian Lucho Gonzalez. M’bia went on to say “I’ve chosen OM, and would like to join them as soon as possible. The financial aspect of the deal is holding things up, but I’m confident it’ll be sorted out,” the athletic 23-year-old, who admitted he has spoken to Marseille coach Didier Deschamps said “I dream of playing for him!”.

Yet again another possible good pick-up in the works for Marseille.

One way or another it seems Vieria is out of Italy

Antoine Kombouare, has said “Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Patrick Vieira, but will not pay too much.” Newly promoted English club Birmingham, have also targeted the frenchman.

The 33 year old is a in a tug of war match over his future. Should he go home, or back to England for a reported 100k a week offer from Birmingham? PSG, have said to have had talks with the French international who is looking to bring some attention his way in light of next summers World Cup tournament in South Africa.

When the PSG boss was asked of his intrest in signing Vieira, he was qouted saying “Of course, but not at any price. I have already made a heavy investment for the club with (Mevlut) Erding and (Gregory) Coupet.” Vieira has yet to give any clues as to where his future lies, but hopefully he’ll decide soon.

Its looking to be a great season for Ligue 1 come August 8.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

In his debut season as the club’s manager Didier Deschamps is already making moves to ensure success in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League.

On June 29, 2009 the first year manager made his first move in this year’s summer transfer window by acquiring Argentinian Lucho (Luis) Gonzalez for a club record $25 million from the Portugeuse champions FC Porto. The four year deal is said to be finalized by Sunday July 5, 2009 pending a medical examination.

Though this is a great addition to club there are some concerns about the health of Gonzalez. In April during a champions league match against Manchester United Gonzalez tore the meniscus in his left knee, but the club still has high hopes the he will recover and sign soon enough to begin practice with the rest of the team this weekend. The mid-fielder Gonzalez scored 32 times in 111 appearences for FC Porto and has 6 goals and 43 caps for the Argentinian national team.

This seems to be a step in the right direction for Deschamps as manager at Marseille. Deschamps was part of the 1993 Europa League Championship squad with Marseille so with that being said he should know a thing or two about what it takes to be a successful team and it seems the re-building of the squad isn’t over yet.

As of July 2, 2009 the French club’s website has also reported the club had reached agreements for defenders Souleymane Diawara and Edouard Cissé. These transfers remaining subject to the players undergoing the usual medical checkup. Diawara who is coming from last year’s Ligue 1 Champions Bordeaux and with his fast pace and great on the ball physicality he will surely be a great defensive weapon for the club.

It seems Deschamps is a preparing for another run at the league championship this season with only one thing in sight, lifting the cup when its all said and done.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News