 Lyon coach Gerard Houllier has signed John Carew |
French champions Lyon have signed Norway's John Carew, who has Gambian roots, from Turkish first division side Besiktas.
Lyon have signed Carew on a four-year contract worth US$9.3m.
The 26-year-old played in Turkey last season after having also played for AS Roma in Italy and Valencia in Spain.
"We had talks all last night and then all Sunday with the player and Besiktas management," Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said.
"It's great news for Lyon.
"He has been one of the club's priorities for several seasons but we were never able to see it through.
"We are very happy with the conclusion.
"He will boost the squad with so much power and speed."
New Lyon coach Gerard Houllier said: "For us it's a chance to take him and for him an opportunity to rebound after to or three average seasons on his part."
Aulas also said that Juninho, Mali's Mahamadou Diarra and much-admired Ghana midfielder Michael Essien would remain at Lyon next season.
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