Anthony Lopes during OL's victory against Lille in February 2023 (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP)
Out of the group since the start of the season, Anthony Lopes should leave OL in the coming days. His future could be written with FC Nantes.
After 24 years of roaming the various grounds belonging to Olympique Lyonnais, Anthony Lopes is apparently living his last days as an OL footballer. It's not a huge surprise, but the native of Givors is heading towards a departure this winter, after four months spent outside the group during matches. As indicated by several media, including The Team et West Francethe goalkeeper moved closer to FC Nantes.
In the coming hours, he will be released from his contract, which ran until June 2025, to join the Canaries. A six-month lease awaits him there, which may extend depending on his performance until 2027 due to various clauses.
Lopes to succeed Lafont, who could leave
Already interested last summer in the Rhone goalkeeper in 489 appearances with the Lyonnais, the Loire-Atlantique club had not completed the operation. Among the factors explaining the absence of transfer during the previous transfer window, the presence of Alban Lafont. But today, the former French Espoirs international is no longer the starter, and he will have to leave to play in 2025.
A situation that closely resembles that experienced by Lopes in the offseason. Outstripped by Lucas Perri for the number 1 position, he should have finished his adventure at OL last July/August. Despite a few leads, he ultimately stayed, content to participate in training. With no more options in the Rhône, apart from waiting for the end of his contract, the 34-year-old footballer will certainly be happy to get back on the pitch very quickly.
A page turns for a historical guardian
He will take over from Patrick Carlgrenwho succeeded Lafont for the latest Ligue 1 posters. Potentially, the ex-Portuguese international (14 caps) will be the Nantes goalkeeper from next Saturday in Lille for the return of the championship. Indeed, the transfer could be effective even before January 1, giving him a few more days to familiarize himself with his new environment. Long a one-club man, Lopes is preparing to turn a page on a large part of his life. An end undoubtedly far from the one he hoped for, but which should not wipe out his eleven years at most in the Rhone cages.
France
