Adebayor's AFCON dream forces Lyon to cancel possible transfer

France

French side, Olympique Lyonnais, have announced the termination of talks initiated with Togo international Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor, over a possible transfer.

The club cited four reasons for their decision among them, Adebayor’s desire to represent Togo at the African Cup of Nations in Gabon early next year and his ineligibility for the UEFA Champions League.

‘‘Olympique Lyonnais has decided not to pursue the discussions initiated with Emmanuel Adebayor who, since the beginning of the week, had delayed his trip to Lyon before coming yesterday (Friday) to OL Park where Bruno Genesio was able to speak with him,’‘ the club statement read.

Communiqué du club au sujet des discussions avec Emmanuel Adebayor https://t.co/YybLylJwD0
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) September 17, 2016

The Ligue 1 club decided to sign a new striker following the the injury of Alexandre Lacazette, their top marksman. Adebayor – who was a free agent – after being released by Tottenham was on their radar.

According to Lyon, the arrival of the young forward Jean-Philippe Mateta could also help their aspirations as they await other players who have also been sidelined by injury.

‘‘Olympique Lyonnais also welcomes the return to competition in the next few days of Nabil Fekir and Mathieu Valbuena, that will allow Bruno Genesio to gradually regain its workforce during the month of September,’‘ the statement added.

Adebayor, 31, currently the skipper of the Togo team, represented his national team at their first appearance at the FIFA 2006 World Cup in Germany. He has also played in a number of AFCON tournaments.

SEA, on our way to #Gabon2017 🔹En route pour #Gabon2017 🇹🇬🙏🏿🇹🇬 pic.twitter.com/WBcXMEyzak
— Emmanuel Adebayor (@E_Adebayor) September 4, 2016

He has previously played for Metz and Monaco in the French league. In England, he has played for Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. He ranks as the 25th highest scorer in Premier League history with 94 goals to his name. He has also been on loan at Real Madrid.