Essien completes Lyon switch
Monday, July 7, 2003
Article summary
SC Bastia midfield player Mickaël Essien has joined French champions Olympique Lyonnais on a five-year contract.
Article body
No to Paris
Essien, a 20-year-old Ghanaian international, had looked set to move to Paris Saint-Germain FC last month but opted instead for Lyon. "I wanted to play in the [UEFA] Champions League," said Essien after completing the transfer on Sunday.
Fee paid
Lyon have paid €7.9m to Bastia in the deal, which also sees Frederic Née and Kévin Jacmot join the Corsican club, the latter on a year's loan. Despite operating in a withdrawn role, Essien scored six goals in 29 matches for Bastia last season.
New signing
Besides the acquisitions of Née and Jacmot, Bastia have confirmed the signing of Youssouf Hadji from Ligue 2 club AS Nancy-Lorraine. The Moroccan forward has agreed a three-year contract.
