According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri is set to join Ligue 1 side Lyon on loan. The deal comes as no surprise when considering the amount of competition at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel already has Marcos Alonso and first-choice Ben Chilwell to choose from, making Emerson surplus to requirements.
In truth, the loan move could have easily been a permanent one, given the lack of playing time Emerson receives at Chelsea. The Blues must have been keen to keep hold of him, however, with a new contract signed and sealed until 2023.
It will be interesting to see how he does in Ligue 1, especially at a Lyon side who have struggled to impress so far this season.
Emerson Palmieri to Join Lyon on Loan
Lyon: The Surprise Slow Starters in France
Many believed that losing Memphis Depay to Barcelona would be a big blow, but not as big as Lyon’s start to the season suggests. We are two games in, and they are yet to win a game, opening the season with a 1-1 draw against Brest before succumbing to a 3-0 smashing at the hands of Angers, who finished 13th last season.
The fact is, Emerson could be walking into chaos. If he fails to impress from the off, fans will run out of patience thanks to their slow start. Help quickly turn the side around, however, and he’ll be a fan favourite from the off.
Likely joining the Italian in France is Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri. The Swiss international made his desire to leave Anfield clear this summer, and a move to Lyon for around €6 million now seems likely. If Emerson doesn’t make the desired impact, Shaqiri certainly will.
As a collective, both signings, should they get both over the line, will add the needed improvements to Lyon, as they look to bounce back after a poor start.
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