Lyon confirm sex-tape victim Valbuena's Fenerbahce transfer

Lyon (AFP) – Lyon confirmed on Tuesday the transfer of attacking midfielder Mathieu Valbuena to Turks Fenerbahce for 1.5 million euros.

Istanbul giants Fenerbahce had announced on Monday an agreement in principle between the two clubs for the 32-year-old France international, who has been at the centre of a sex-tape blackmail scandal for the last two years.

The transfer fee could rise to 2.5 million euros with add-ons and bonuses.

“A contract will be signed with Mathieu Valbuena once the transfer window opens,” said Fenerbahce, who are looking to reinforce their side after finishing well behind champions Besiktas and surprise runners-up Basaksehir of Istanbul in the Turkish Super Lig last season.

Valbuena, whose France career was ended by the sex-tape scandal in which he was the victim of a blackmail attempt, enjoyed a long stint at Marseille up to 2014 before joining Dynamo Moscow and then moving on to Lyon a year later. 

“The club thanks Mathieu Valbuena for all that he brought to OL and wishes him success throughout the rest of his career,” said Lyon.

He scored eight goals in 52 France appearances from 2010 to 2015.