OL finalized the return of former defender Dejan Lovren to their ranks on Monday.
Dejan Lovren has just returned to Olympique Lyonnais. Nine years after leaving, the Croatian international defender returned to Les Gones for a new two-and-a-half year freelance. A surprising commitment given that the semifinalist of the last World Cup is no longer very young (33 years old) e which did not leave an imperishable memory during its first visit to the Rhône.
White wanted a professional defender
But this signing satisfied OL’s need to strengthen themselves as centre-backs. Laurent Blanc, the coach, wanted at all costs a professional player in this role and with the purchase of the Croatian he was served. The defeat suffered on Sunday against Clermont (0-1), during the first outing of the year, shouldn’t have changed his opinion on the subject too much.
🚨 Dejan Lovren is back home! 🔴🔵
Lyonnais from 2010 to 2013, the Croatian globalist will still defend our colors until 2025 💥👊#LOVREN2025
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) January 2, 2023
On his official website, Lyon also welcomed this transfer indicating that the club is delighted with this reinforcement. A reinforcement validated “from the beginning of this winter market and in concert with all the members of the club”. We also underline that the former member of Zénit St-Petersburg “will bring all the experience desired by Laurent Blanc in the defensive sector”.
Lovren is excited
The principal concerned also expressed his satisfaction. During his first reaction after signing the contract, he said: “I am very happy to return to Olympique Lyonnais. It was the club that opened the doors to international football for me, I will never forget it. I have many memories here, many ties too, especially with the president Jean Michel Aulas who has always supported me. I left Lyon in 2013 with regrets because I felt like I didn’t show everything. I want to show everyone what a player I really am.”
Lovren could make his (second) debut for Lyon next weekend in the Coupe de France match against FC Metz (32and of final).
