Lyon: the Karl Toko-Ekambi dilemma

As well as being in poor form since the start of the season, Karl Toko-Ekambi is also out of favour with the Lyon fans. The Cameroon international is often given a hard time by them, and they are quick to whistle him as soon as he touches the ball. It is a delicate situation, and one that is bound to affect the former Villarreal man.

🇨🇲 Karl Toko-Ekambi is not closed to the idea of leaving Lyon

🔹 Southampton want to sign him. Al Shabab (Saudi Arabia) are also in the picture

🔹Lyon will ask for at least €4m if he is sold. KTE's contract runs out in 1 and a half years

🔹Rennes are interested in a 6-month loan pic.twitter.com/jp3UduodGu

— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) January 18, 2023

In this heavy atmosphere, a possible departure for Karl Toko-Ekambi this winter looks more likely than ever. And it must be said that the Indomitable Lion is not short of suitors at the moment. According to RMC, Rennes, Southampton and Al-Shabab are tracking the 30-year-old, who for his part would reportedly not be against a transfer.

Karl Toko-Ekambi, one of the best players of the last two seasons

With his contract expiring in June 2024, Lyon could ask for 4 million euros to let their striker go. But a loan with an option to buy cannot be ruled out either. Stade Rennais, who are bidding to sign the Cameroonian, do indeed prefer a loan. It remains to be seen whether the Gones' decision-makers are ready to agree to that option.

Struggling at the moment, like the club as a whole, the 2017 African champion is nonetheless OL's third-top scorer this season (4 goals), behind Alexandre Lacazette and Tetê. It is also worth pointing out that KTE was decisive and important for Lyon in his first two seasons (26 goals and 12 assists). The Gones will have to think twice before letting him go.