Olympique Lyonnais has been relegated to Ligue 2. As a result, several players—including Nicolás Tagliafico—are on the move. Could the Argentine left-back be returning to Ajax? For Amsterdam fans, disappointing news arrives from Spain.
Spanish Press: 'Oviedo's Dream Lives On, Ajax Misses Out on Tagliafico'
According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Oviedo—just promoted to LaLiga after years of financial struggle and a miraculous playoff led by club legend Santi Cazorla—has big plans for the top flight. Oviedo is eager to recruit new talent after securing promotion, and Tagliafico, having become a free agent after Lyon's relegation, is a prime target.
Tagliafico, who struggled through Lyon's financial chaos, now has the opportunity to make a free transfer. Ajax fans were quick to voice their desires on social media for his return to Amsterdam. However, Fichajes reports that Ajax will miss out: "Although Tagliafico's salary demands are high, Oviedo is optimistic about reaching an agreement."
Or Everton Instead?
Earlier the same day, Fichajes also reported that Tagliafico is close to a move to Everton in the English Premier League. In any case, the Argentine left-back seems to have his pick of clubs this summer.
In the winter of 2018, Tagliafico joined Ajax from Independiente for €4 million. The Argentine international played 169 matches for Ajax, including being a key part of the team that reached the Champions League semi-finals. However, a return to Amsterdam now appears off the cards.
Is This a Good Move for Tagliafico?
The football world has been buzzing ever since Olympique Lyonnais, a club with such a storied history in French football, was unceremoniously relegated to Ligue 2 due to ongoing financial troubles. Among the high-profile casualties of this dramatic downturn is Nicolás Tagliafico, the Argentine international whose journey in European football has been nothing short of remarkable.
For Ajax fans, hopes of a reunion with their former left-back were ignited as soon as news broke of his impending exit from Lyon. Tagliafico, whose contract with Lyon has now expired, is available on a free transfer — an exciting prospect for any club seeking a quality, experienced defender.
Yet, reports emerging from Spain have poured cold water on the Amsterdam faithful's dreams. Respected Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Real Oviedo, freshly promoted to LaLiga after a stirring playoff campaign spearheaded by club legend Santi Cazorla, has made Tagliafico a top target in their bid to solidify themselves in Spain's elite division.
Oviedo's remarkable resurgence after financial struggles has inspired the football community. Having survived near-collapse, the club now seeks to guarantee its place in LaLiga through bold signings. Tagliafico, with his experience and tenacity, fits the bill perfectly. According to Fichajes, despite Tagliafico's sizeable wage demands, there is growing belief within the Oviedo camp that terms can be reached for a deal.
The twist doesn't end there. Earlier in the day, Fichajes also linked Tagliafico with a potential move to Everton in the English Premier League. The Merseyside club is looking to bolster its defense, and the prospect of adding a Champions League-tested player naturally appeals. With multiple suitors vying for his signature, Tagliafico is certainly not short of options this transfer window.
Of course, the prospect of a return to Ajax holds a special emotional resonance for many. After joining Ajax from Independiente for €4 million in the winter of 2018, Tagliafico endeared himself to the Amsterdam faithful with a string of energetic performances, amassing 169 appearances and playing a key role in Ajax's historic Champions League run to the semi-finals.
Nevertheless, it seems increasingly unlikely that Tagliafico will don the famous red and white shirt once more. The financial landscape of Ajax, combined with Tagliafico's current market value and reported salary requirements, appears to put a reunion out of reach. Both Real Oviedo and Everton seem better placed to meet the Argentine's demands.
For now, spectators in Amsterdam will be left wondering what might have been, while football fans across Europe watch with keen interest to see where the popular defender eventually signs.
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Source: https://www.soccernews.nl/news/ajax-wordt-gek-tagliafico-pakt-koffers/