Olympique Lyon are a mess. They’ve been relegated to Ligue 2, their finances are in ruins, and a fire sale looms. We’ve already seen Rayan Cherki make the move to Manchester City, and now there’s a lot of talk about Malick Fofana. But one player, lost in the noise, could be the smartest punt on the market – 21 year old Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah.
The ACL caveat
Let’s deal with the obvious first. Nuamah suffered a season-ending ACL injury in April. That’s no small thing. Recovery timelines are long, and post-injury performance can be a roll of the dice. But that uncertainty is also what will make him incredibly affordable. If you’re a club willing to buy the dip, this is your guy.
Before his injury, Nuamah was putting together an outstanding campaign combining athleticism with end-product. He’s raw in some areas, but showed flashes of becoming a complete wide forward.
The data case
Let’s start with what pops:
Shots on target per90: 1.36 (94th percentile) Progressive passes received: 10.49 (84th percentile) Touches in defensive 3rd: 7.60 (88th percentile) Tackle+interceptions: 2.38 (84th percentile) % of aerial duels won: 47.2% (83rd percentile)
All of this points towards a physical, hardworking winger who not only is integral to the build up phases but isn’t afraid to get stuck into his defensive work and put his body on the line.
Nuamah isn’t just a winger who stays wide and dribbles. He finds pockets inside the half-space, makes strong diagonal runs, and is consistently involved in Lyon’s progression. His 27.39 touches per 90 in the attacking third is in the top 30% of wingers in the top 5 leagues.
His work in and around the penalty area needs some work though. Despite being near the top 10% for short passing completion, and for carries into the final third, this drops off falls away to the bottom half for key passes (39th percentile) and assists (20th percentile)
The eye test
Nuamah is a naturally left footed right winger though is comfortable playing on either flank. He has a clean first touch, composure in tight spaces and almost chaotically quick feet.
He’s a strong, physical runner, tenacious tackler, and has a lovely turn of pace – just watch him burn the fullback with a drop of the shoulder before gliding past him.
He doesn’t have pure lightning acceleration, but he runs with real purpose, preferring to drive into the box or unleash a shot at goal.
The injury risk
ACL injuries are serious, we know that all too well with our very own Botman having his fair share of knee issues lately. However, Tino Livramento is a great example of a young player whom we took a punt on after a long time out with an ACL injury who has rewarded us in spades.
Nuamah’s profile – young, explosive rather than pure speed, and already someone with intelligent movement and defensive commitment – suggests that he has a good chance of recovering fully.
Despite Lyon’s off-field troubles, with a clean bill of health he’s easily a €30/€35m player. Right now? Probably half that.
The verdict
This would be a risky one for sure, but the upsides are huge. Ernest Nuamah represents a rare opportunity for someone willing to take a chance on him – a top tier talent hiding in plain sight.
He’s the very definition of high risk high reward.
Keep an eye out on where he lands this summer… 
Read more in our alternative transfer series on Noah Atubolu and Mathias Soule
