The catastrophic situation at Olympique Lyonnais means departures this winter and at the end of the season. We therefore thought that Malick Fofana would be pushed towards the exit.
It was the thunderclap that resonated last week in French football: Olympique Lyonnais was banned from transfers this winter, and threatened with administrative demotion if it does not resolve its financial problems.
Despite his bravado, John Textor will have to appease the DNCG quickly, and that probably means selling several players this winter. It was thought that Malick Fofana, one of the most in-form players at Lyon, was going to be put up for sale.
But according to The TeamOL will first try to get rid of players whose salaries are not in line with the club’s situation. At the end of their contract next summer, Alexandre Lacazette, Anthony Lopes and Nicolas Tagliafico will not be extended and will therefore leave Lyon for free.
In terms of sales, two players will be sold as a priority this winter: Nemanja Matic, whose salary of 500,000 euros per month is disproportionate compared to the club’s means, and Corentin Tolisso who receives 400,000 each month. They are respectively under contract until 2026 and 2027, and will therefore be able to look for a club this winter.
If possible, OL would not want to sell their most promising young talents, such as Fofana, Cherki or even Mikautadze, who it is clear could bring in more in the future by letting them develop. It remains to be seen whether reality will meet John Textor’s desires.
