Official | Lyon sign Paul Akouokou from Real Betis | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais have officially confirmed the signing of Ivorian defensive midfielder Paul Akouokou (25) from Real Betis. Akouokou has signed for OL for a reported fee of €3m, according to L’Équipe. The Ivorian international has signed a contract at the Groupama Stadium until 2027.

Lyon had previously attempted to sign Akouokou’s Betis teammate Guido Rodriguez earlier in the transfer window. However, after failing to agree on a move for the World Cup winner, OL turned their attention to the 25-year-old as they looked to recruit a defensive midfielder before the transfer window shut. Lyon had also been linked with Betis’ William Carvalho.

OL have managed to complete the deal for the former Ekenäs IF midfielder without issue, despite the transfer restrictions that have been placed on the club by the DNCG. Akouokou, who first joined Real Betis’ reserve team in 2018 before making the jump to the first team in 2020, made 44 appearances in all competitions for the Andalusians.

GFFN | Liam Wraith