Diego Moreira left Chelsea for Lyon on transfer deadline day – but the deal almost didn’t happen.
That is according to Olympique et Lyonnais.
So, what was written about Diego Moreira‘s Chelsea exit? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the 19-year-old moved on loan to Ligue 1 on deadline day for the 2023/24 campaign.
Chelsea secured a €2.8m (£2.4m) loan fee in the process, with discussions over a deal for Moreira ending just minutes before the window slammed shut – according to the French news outlet.
Olympique et Lyonnais add that the teenager will have to wait for his Lyon debut – however – as he is heading off for international duty with Portugal’s Under 21 side.
Nevertheless, Chelsea have still secured a strong loan move for Moreira, and he will hopefully receive plenty of playing time under Laurent Blanc.
The Liege-born prodigy was signed on a free transfer from Benfica back in July, and started the recent 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.
Moreira has a fight on his hands to dislodge the likes of Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer from Mauricio Pochettino’s attack in future, although nobody can deny that Chelsea have an exciting talent on their hands.
Diego Moreira has a vacancy to fill away from Chelsea
Interestingly, Bradley Barcola – a player Chelsea reportedly wanted to sign from Lyon – has now departed for PSG, leaving a space in Blanc’s attack for Moreira to seize.
The France Under 21 international joined the Parisians in a €50m (£43m) deal, with Chelsea eventually turning to Palmer.
Lyon often play an exciting style of football under the experienced Blanc, which should suit Moreira, a confident and direct dribbler, quite well.
Hopefully, all goes well in France for the Portugal Under 21 international, and he can return to Stamford Bridge next season ready to challenge for a starting role.