Villarreal Secure Georges Mikautadze in €30m Deal From Lyon

Villarreal have agreed to sign Georgian forward Georges Mikautadze from Olympique Lyonnais. The striker will undergo a medical and finalize the move this weekend.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Villarreal and Lyon agreed on a €30 million fee for Mikautadze after quick talks in Monaco near the end of the transfer window. The 24-year-old will fly to Spain on Saturday, have his medical on Sunday, and sign a five-year deal. Although Lyon wanted to keep him longer, they needed to sell to meet financial requirements from DNCG and UEFA, as the club is facing relegation concerns due to financial issues according to recent reports. After unsuccessful talks to sign Dovbyk, Mikautadze became Villarreal’s top target.

LYON AND VILLARREAL: SEASON SO FAR

Lyon have started well the season in Ligue 1, with two wins from two matches. Mikautadze was one of their main attacking talents, having scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists in his last eight league matches. With the transfer, Lyon gains the cash needed to avoid further sanctions, but lose a key player for their survival campaign.

His exit leaves a gap in Lyon’s squad just before their next match against Marseille, who another candidate for the Champions League spots and are three points below Lyon. With the transfer, Lyon gains the cash needed to avoid further sanctions, but lose a key player for their survival campaign.

WHAT NEXT FOR MIKAUTADZE AND VILLARREAL?

Mikautadze joins a Villarreal side currently top in LaLiga, level on points with both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Villarreal’s attack has been inconsistent this season, and the Georgian arrives to fix exactly that. In light of their recent form, Villarreal is eager to strengthen their midfield after finishing 5th in La Liga last season to improve for the new season.

The club’s next game is against Celta de Vigo, who sit near the bottom of the league, with one point so far this season. Fans hope Mikautadze’s arrival will spark a run for European places. If he clears his medical, Mikautadze could make his debut as soon as next weekend, giving Villarreal fresh options up front for their push in the final third of the season.