John Textor wants to bring Juninho back to Lyon | OneFootball

According to L’Équipe, John Textor wants to bring Juninho back to Olympique Lyonnais as a special advisor. A former player, Juninho also held the role of sporting director at OL until 2021.

A reorganisation of the club’s structure is in process. Santiago Cucci and Vincent Ponsot are on their way out, and Textor’s focus is equally on bringing people in. Notably, there is still no sporting director above manager Fabio Grosso, however, Textor is now focused on bringing in people that he can trust.

The American owner wants to bring in a special adviser with a wide remit, which would allow them to work between Brazil and Europe. Eagle Football do of course own Botafogo in Brazil. Textor has chosen Juninho, who after playing for the club between 2001-2009, then went on to become OL’s sporting director (2019-2021). The Brazilian resigned from the role amidst disagreements with key colleagues such as Jean-Michel Aulas, Ponsot and Bruno Cheyrou.

Should Juninho return to Lyon, he would be less present at the club than before, according to L’Équipe, perhaps spending just one week within any given month with Les Gones. However, he would be given powers to run the club. Juninho, currently based in Rio de Janeiro, could also run Botafogo.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle