Riou leaves Lyon for Auxerre

Olympique Lyonnais' 19-year-old goalkeeper Rémy Riou has joined Ligue 1 rivals AJ Auxerre on a four-year contract after a fine season on loan at FC Lorient.

Starring role
The Lyon-born player, who first joined his local club eleven years ago, appeared in 22 Ligue 1 games last season, covering for the injured Fabien Audard at Lorient. Auxerre have paid a reported €800,000 for the player, with coach Jean Fernandez saying Riou will "will initially be considered as the No2 at his position" behind former AS Nancy-Lorraine goalkeeper Olivier Sorin. "Lyon do not really trust young players," said Riou. "They currently have two very good custodians - Grégory Coupet and Rémy Vercoutre - so I preferred to leave." Auxerre missed out on a place in European competition after finishing eighth in Ligue 1 last season.