FC St. Pauli in excitement: Is Eric Smith leaving for Lyon?

FC St. Pauli in excitement: Is Eric Smith leaving for Lyon?

Summer is not only the time for barbecues and vacations, but also for hotly debated football transfers. FC St. Pauli is particularly active this year when it comes to the player carousel. With rumors of possible departures and new arrivals, the club is keeping fans on tenterhooks, especially when it comes to co-captain Eric Smith.

Recent reports from France show that Olympique Lyon are very interested in the 25-year-old midfielder. According to an article by St. Pauli24, Smith is seen as an important player for the French league. But the question remains open as to how realistic it really is for the player to say goodbye to the Kiezkickers at the moment. In particular, the contractual terms and the possibility for Lyon to sign new players are unclear.

Smith: Undisputed key player

Eric Smith is one of St. Pauli's best players - the midfielder's talent is undisputed. As Transfermarkt reports, he was extremely important for the team last season in both the defensive and offensive positions. His skills and experience make him an indispensable part of the team. In addition, Smith has played a leadership role in the team for years, which made him co-captain.

This summer's transfers could be joined by a number of other departures, including players such as Burchert, Eggestein, Guilavogui, Boukhalfa and possibly Treu. In this context, a move for Smith could leave a huge gap in the squad. There are also considerations within the club's management that a sale of Smith could only take place with enormous financial resources, as there is no adequate replacement available at a similar price.

Happy in Hamburg

Despite the interest from Lyon, Smith feels comfortable in Hamburg. He extended his contract long-term at the end of 2024 and both he and his family have settled well in the city. Smith himself made it clear that he sees his future at FC St. Pauli as long as the club remains competitive and plays in the Bundesliga. According to the club, he would only think about a possible change if the conditions changed.

The next few weeks will show whether an agreement with Lyon is actually in the offing or whether FC St. Pauli can keep its dazzling talent in its ranks. With a talented player like Eric Smith, it will certainly not be an easy task to keep the team competitive should other key players also leave the club.

For further information on transfers and current developments at FC St. Pauli, fans can find out more on Kicker or follow the discussions on Transfermarkt.