Houssem Aouar linked with bizarre Premier League move

James Shearman

Updated: 14 Aug 2022 07:42 CDT
3 min read

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar is close to joining Premier League side Nottingham Forest, according to reports.

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Aouar, who nearly moved to Real Betis earlier in the window and was previously linked with Arsenal, would be a incredible signing for Steve Cooper's Forest.

He has made more than 200 appearances for Lyon, developing into a fan favourite, but his contract is up in 12 months.

It's now time he followed in the footsteps of Memphis Depay, Nabil Fekir and Tanguy Ndombele by leaving the club for a new challenge.

And, even though Forest are a newly-promoted side, their squad has plenty of talent for Fekir to work with.

Fekir would be the club's 15th signing of the transfer window, having already added the likes of Jesse Lingard, Dean Henderson and Emmanuel Dennis.

How good is Houssem Aouar?

Aouar was born in Lyon and came through the club's academy, eventually becoming the golden boy of Les Gones.

He made his first-team debut for the club in February of 2017 when he came on as a substitute in a Europe League fixture against AZ Alkmaar.

His role models are Zinedine Zidane and Juninho Pernambucano and this is reflected in his play. He is calm and composed in possession while holding an impressive command of the ball, particularly in tight areas.

His goal contributions could certainly improve as his best campaign in Ligue 1 came in 2018/19 when he scored seven goals and recorded seven assists.

Though he remains a creative force, these goal contribution stats have earned him some criticism over the years.

Houssem Aouar is close to a move to Nottingham Forest, according to Di Marzio 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fhGYzxa6op
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) August 14, 2022

Aouar probably became a known force in the mini tournament to decide the 2020 Champions League winners, as he excelled for Lyon as they reached the semi-final stage.

After Lyon eliminated Manchester City, Pep Guardiola said: "Houssem Aouar is a very good player. He is incredible.

"We talk a lot about (Tanguy) Ndombele, but Aouar is also excellent. He's always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality.''

But everyone has been waiting for the Frenchman's career to kick on further, which hasn't happened.

Perhaps a move to the Premier League could be the move to unlock his full potential.