down as he experiencing peaks and troughs aplenty. Even worse when he struggled to hold down a regular first-team place. Makoun spoke out, saying that he might leave the club for a fresh start. By the time Makoun departed Olympique Lyonnais, he made seventeen appearances and scoring once in all competitions. Aston Villa On 12 January 2011, Lyon revealed via their official website that Makoun had travelled to England in order to discuss a possible move to Premier League club Aston Villa, managed by former Lyon boss Gérard Houllier. Three days later, on 15 January 2011, Aston Villa completed the signing of Makoun on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £6.2m. On 21 January 2011, Villa and Makoun were handed international clearance and a work permit, with this announcement it was also revealed that he would take over the number 17 shirt from fellow West African Moustapha Salifou. After the move, Houllier says Makoun is additional signing for the club. He made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa in an away match against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on 25 January 2011 in a 2–1 win. However, on 12 February 2011, Makoun was sent off after receiving a straight red card for a tackle on Blackpool's DJ Campbell, as they drew 1–1. After a match, Makoun received a three match ban. Upon his return from suspension, Makoun spoken out, saying that he was shocked to believe the length of his suspension. Makoun made his return in a 0–1 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 19 March 2011. However, he began to find himself behind the pecking order in midfield position and never played for the club for the rest of the 2010–11 season. At the end of the 2010–11 season, Makoun made eight appearances for the side in all competitions. Following the departure of Houllier, Makoun struggled to hold down a first-team position at Villa Park. His first and only appearance of the 2011–12 season came in a 2–0 League Cup victory over Hereford United on 23 August 2011. After his work permit was delayed, he left Aston Villa at the end of the 2012–13 season, with Rennes deciding to make his loan move permanent for an undisclosed amount. Loan to Olympiacos On 28 August 2011, Makoun joined the Greek club Olympiacos on a season-long loan deal. Upon joining the