Lyon striker Fred’s proposed exit from the club has still not been finalised because the player himself is “stalling”, according to administrative director Marino Faccioli.
The Brazil international has outlined his determination to quit the French champions after losing his regular place in the first team and having become disillusioned with life at the Stade Gerland.
Les Gones had been reluctant to let him go but he was dropped from the squad for the weekend’s 2-0 win at Grenoble, and club president Jean-Michel Aulas yesterday confirmed the 25-year-old could leave.
Today Faccioli reiterated Lyon’s willingness to allow Fred to move on, but said his exit has been delayed by the player himself.
“Fred, who several weeks ago expressed his desire to return to Brazil, is still at Lyon,” he told the club’s website.
“The club has been very understanding and has told him that if he wants to return there to build up his strength, we are ready to let him go.
“Today, we’re still ready to do that but, contrary to what Fred has said, things are dragging.
“Today, on Tuesday January 20, He is still stalling and he is still down there.”
A move to Brazilian club Fluminense looked set to go through on Friday before Fred’s agent and brother Rodrigo Chaves confirmed the transfer had fallen through.
Fluminense president Roberto Horcades had claimed earlier in the day that Fred had reached an agreement with the club’s football manager Alexandre Faria to move to the Sao Paulo-based outfit when his contract at Lyon expires.
Reports have since emerged that Premier League duo Stoke and Tottenham are interested in the forward’s services.
But Chaves has rubbished those reports too, while adding that offers had been received from clubs in Brazil.
“It’d be better to talk to (fictional Brazilian side) Tabajara,” he told globoesporte.com.
“Until now we only received offers from Fluminense and Palmeiras.”
A return to his homeland now appears the most likely solution for the out-of-favour forward, after a representative of the French club in Brazil revealed Lyon were more likely to do business with clubs outside Europe.
“If he reaches an agreement with any Brazilian side and he accepts the salary there the club will release him for free,” Marcelo Djian said.
“If the transfer is in Europe, Lyon are going to want a transfer fee.
“The president accepted the player’s request. It was not easy. As of today he will be training with the reserves.”
As for the player himself, Fred today reacted to his president’s comments, saying he was being punished for wanting a move.
He told Brazilian television station SporTV: “I was shocked by quotes from Aulas about my performances on the pitch not matching my salary.
“For two years the same president has been asking me every month to renew my contract. However, I don’t want to as, after four years, I understand it’s time for a change of scene.
“And the president is punishing me for that. From time to time he tells the coaches to remove me from the rest of the squad. So my decision is irreversible. I will not stay at Lyon.”
Meanwhile, Faccioli revealed talks are “ongoing” with a number of possible replacements or reinforcements but as yet no decision had been taken.
Caen striker Steve Savidan has recently emerged as a target, as has West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert.
“No decision has been taken about him (Faubert), nor other players. Talks are ongoing,” he said.
“We’re still discussing, things are advancing but at the moment there is nothing definitive – contrary to what is written in the papers.”
