Marseille calls for Luyindula
Friday, July 30, 2004
Article summary
Olympique Lyonnais striker Péguy Luyindula will join Olympique de Marseille after the two clubs agreed a fee.
Article body
Drogba replacement
The 25-year-old French international will sign a four-year contract at Marseille on the completion of a medical. Luyindula is seen as a natural replacement for Didier Drogba, who has moved to English Premiership side Chelsea FC.
Marseille appeal
"If it had been another club, I would not have been interested in their proposal, but with Marseille it is a different story," said Luyindula, who arrived in Lyon from RC Strasbourg in June 2001. "They are building a strong team."
International team-mates
Luyindula scored two goals in Europe and 16 in Ligue 1 last season as Lyon won a third consecutive French title and reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. He is joining a side featuring four other French internationals: Fabien Barthez, Benoît Pedretti, Steve Marlet and Bixente Lizarazu.
New midfield player
In addition to Luyindula, Marseille have also agreed a four-year contract with FC Girondins de Bordeaux's Brazilian midfield player Eduardo Costa. Marseille finished seventh in the league last term, missing out on a European place for 2004/05.
