Soccer-Lyon's Tousart to join Hertha Berlin at end of season

Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Lucas Tousart has signed for Hertha Berlin in a deal worth 25 million euros ($27.74 million)but will stay on loan at the Ligue 1 club for the rest of the season, both clubs said on Monday. "The signing is a preparation for the summer and investment into our future as a club," Hertha general manager Michael Preetz told the Bundesliga club’s official website https://www.herthabsc.de/de.

"In Lucas, we are getting a young, but experienced international player from a team in the Champions League, who will strengthen our midfield straight away.” Tousart, 22, joined Lyon from Valenciennes in 2015 and has made over 150 appearances, including 30 in UEFA club competitions. He has played 24 times for France's under-21 team.

"I really identify myself with the ambitions of the club (Hertha)," Tousart said. "What they're doing here in Berlin is really exciting and I want to be a part of it." Hertha is 13th in the Bundesliga, five points above the relegation zone, while Lyon is fifth in Ligue 1, 20 points adrift of leaders PSG and five points off the top three Champions League spots.

They visit Nice in the French Cup last 16 on Thursday before playing Juventus at the same stage of the Champions League in February and March followed by Paris St-Germain in the League Cup final in April. ($1 = 0.9014 euros)

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