Jason Denayer was on Manchester City’s books for four years (excluding youth) but failed to make the first team and was sold for an initial £9m plus £3.15m in add-ons on a four-year deal during this summer transfer window to tonight’s Champions League opponents, Lyon.
The promising youngster and former Celtic, Galatasaray and Sunderland loanee failed to develop as City had hoped and with oodles of City defenders way ahead in the pecking order (Vincent Kompany, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Nicolas Otamendi and Benjamin Mendy) Congo-born Denayer was left with little choice but to fly the nest.
Best of luck to @Jasondenayer who has today joined Lyon on a permanent deal. #mancity pic.twitter.com/4a3uzXxYNF
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 21, 2018
Given the number 5 shirt and with three 2018/19 season Ligue 1 appearances under his belt, Jason may have something to prove against his former employers.
Lyon boss Bruno Genesio is expected to name Jason (23) in tonight’s starting XI alongside fellow defenders Rafael, Marcelo and Ferland Mendy.
Possible Lyon starting XI
Lopes; Rafael, Marcelo, Denayer, Mendy; Ndombele, Tousart, Aouar; Fekir, Dembélé, Depay
There is no doubt Jason has a bright future ahead of him. The new challenge, a new lease of life living and applying his trade in France will undoubtedly do him wonders. Having said that, I hope he doesn’t play a blinder against us tonight.