The terrible galley of Jason Denayer

A year ago, Jason Denayer was still an Olympique Lyonnais player. A club he joined in the summer of 2018 after being sent on loan several times by Manchester City. The Belgian was looking for stability and an ambitious project. What he found in Lyon, where he imposed himself as the quiet strength of the group. But last year, his adventure between Rhône and Saône took an unexpected turn. While the exchanges were positive concerning a contract extension, the Gones had finally given him no news.

A new challenge in Dubai

During his injury, the rise of Castello Lukeba, a pure product of the training center, changed the game. After recovering from his physical problems, he only played three games with OL in 2022 (1 game with the reserve too, editor’s note). The two parties therefore parted ways at the end of the 2021-22 season. Free and on the market, Denayer had touches in France. Stade Rennais of Bruno Genesio and Florian Maurice, whom he met in Lyon, was very interested. Other stables, notably in Türkiye, were seduced. But the 27-year-old defender finally flew to an exotic destination.

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OL: Jason Denayer looks back on his departure

He signed with FC Shabab Al-Ahli in Dubai. A daring choice but assumed by the Belgian, who still had the level to serve clubs in Europe. Asked by Eleven Sportshe had explained his decision. “A lot of things happened during the summer, I had other more interesting offers financially, but no clubs that were going to seek trophies when that’s what I found here with a sporting project and the goal of winning. Those who follow me know that I go to all the championships, I have been to Turkey, Scotland, always with the aim of winning trophies.

He missed the World Cup

He had added: “That’s what brought me here. I understand that people are surprised, because everyone has their opinions and I respect them. Some don’t understand my choice, others yes, but that’s life. The most important thing was to find a club to be in shape. Despite everything, some, in particular Rhone supporters, believe that he favored the financial aspect over the athlete. Anyway, Denayer assumes his decision. But the native of Brussels is experiencing complicated times. Star of his team, the player born in 95 started the season with 5 games on the clock, including 4 as a starter.

Not selected to participate in the World Cup in Qatar, he had been called up as a reserve by Roberto Martinez since Jan Vertonghen was uncertain. But the 27th man on the list was unable to travel. Indeed, Denayer had injured his adductors and had said goodbye to his dream. A blow. Back in the club, he played 4 games in December before getting injured again. Asked by The last hourhis lawyer Jesse De Preter, said: “He had a series of minor injuries. And in December, he decided that he really needed to be 100% healed before resuming.”

A match in 2023 and a future in question

The former Manchester City player therefore returned to the field on April 23 against Al-Wasl in the league. He played 90 minutes. This is the one and only match he has played so far in 2023. DH explains that he was not listed on the match sheets, although he participated in training. In his absence, his team, leader of the Pro League, also chained a series of 11 games without defeat. Which didn’t help Jason Denayer’s business, nor did he hasten his return. But his representative ensures that relations are good with the club.

“Contact with the club and the coach (Leonardo Jardim) has always remained very good. And now, he has been in top form for two weeks. So he was finally able to play again this weekend and it went very well. We should therefore see him again very quickly on the pitch. But it is not certain that he will still be there next year. There DH clarifies that he only signed for one season with an estimated salary of 1.5 million euros. He could therefore extend or return to Europe, where Serie A and Cagliari in Serie B make him look sweet. Turkey has not forgotten it either. Free at the end of the season, Denayer will be in a strong position. The summers follow one another and look alike for the Belgian.