Aulas drops hint regarding whether Lyon will keep Tottenham loanee Ndombele

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Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas has suggested to RMC Sport that his club could trigger the option to sign Tanguy Ndombele from Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis – but most likely only if they win the Europa League.

Ndombele is a couple of appearances into his loan spell with the Ligue 1 side. And he has already made a big impression, providing an assist in their recent win over Nice.

Spurs may be pleased to see the 25-year-old make a bright start. His time in North London may likely be over – he has now struggled under a number of managers – but he could yet hand Antonio Conte’s men a big boost.

Lyon have the option to make Ndombele’s move permanent for £54 million. Clearly, that would be a huge purchase for them. And it is the kind of fee that Tottenham may have given up hope of receiving based on his form before his exit.

But obviously, Les Gones would not have agreed to the clause unless they were, on some level, open to the idea of keeping him beyond his loan.

Aulas however, has suggested that something in particular may need to happen before Lyon consider the move.

“We must let a few games pass, this is only the beginning. But if we win the Europa League, anything will be possible,” he told RMC Sport.

Tottenham may be pessimistic about selling Ndombele amid Aulas comments

Lyon are through to the round of 16 in the Europa League after winning their group. However, a look at some of the other teams left in the competition would suggest that Peter Bosz’s side are far from the favourites.

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have all dropped down from the Champions League. Meanwhile, Lazio and Napoli are amongst the others still in the competition.

So it is asking a lot of Lyon to win the Europa League.

Jose Mourinho previously labelled Ndombele a ‘magnificent‘ player. Tottenham will hope that he looks every bit a star while he is back in France to encourage Aulas to part with the £54 million fee.