Lyon sign Bertrand Traore from Chelsea for €10-million

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Jun 27, 2017. 11:00

French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais have signed Burkina Faso attacker Bertrand Traore from Chelsea.

The clubs announced on Monday evening that the 21-year-old will join Lyon on a contract which runs to 2022. His transfer fee is a reported €10-million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause.

Traore, who signed with the Blues in 2013 but has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, has spent recent seasons on loan at Dutch clubs Vitesse Arnhem and AFC Ajax.

Last season he notably helped Ajax reach the final of the UEFA Europa League, including a strong performance against Lyon in the semifinals.

“When I came here with Ajax a few months ago, I was attracted by the philosophy of the club, with several young players from the academy, and the magnificent Parc OL. With Ajax, we had a bit of a similar style of play and that enticed me to come here,” Traore told OLTV.

“I am coming to bring something extra to OL and I hope to continue progressing and to learn with the coach and my new teammates.”

He added, “I have been looking to have stability and, in signing a contract with OL, I could not ask for more. I have the time to show everyone what I can do.”