What common points exist between the European Union and Olympique Lyonnais? Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Former European MP Sylvie Guillaume. The debt. Far from the 14.3 trillion euros of European public debt, the OL Textor version begins 2025 without New Years. He must find 500 million dollars this year. Otherwise, it's bankruptcy. Worse, Ligue 2. “Needs? They are in the fact of degreeleave »assumed Pierre Sage during his back-to-school press conference. Having gone through all the sporting emotions last season, the Lyonnais have still not found stability. Or maybe one: Pierre Sage.
Under threat from the DNCG
Olympique Lyonnais begins 2025 as it started 2024. Unstable, but with the advantage of being in a better sporting situation. According to its owner John Textor, the refinancing of OL's debt will involve an IPO, where the Eagle Football Group is capitalized to the tune of 352 million euros. The former skateboarder is counting on a stock market contribution to make up the deficit of his holding company. A first fundraising of 40 million euros was found in November. “In view of the decisions taken by the DNCG, we cannot envisage anything, confirmed Pierre Sage at a press conference. There will mainly be outings. » Lyon must sell, no need to hide it.
To do this, he separated in September from his sports director David Friio. Anthony Lopes left to help Nantes maintain its position, Gift Orban flew to Hoffenheim for at least 9 million euros, Jeffinho will not return. Corentin Tolisso, one of the best Lyonnais of the first part of the season, is announced in England. Maxence Caqueret, injured this weekend and less in sight, could also leave. In the event of a good offer, Malick Fofana too. In short, no one is untransferable. Pierre Sage has set his number of outfield players at 20, compared to 24 currently.
However, two names are circulating among the arrivals: Thiago Almada and Luiz Henrique, recent winners of the Copa Libertadores. Two non-EU players, while OL already has three and a Ligue 1 squad cannot have more than four. Lyon is banned from recruiting this winter, but its good relations with Botafogo (don't ask why) could allow it to consider free loans, provided that the DNCG validates them.
The Sage line
In this din, Sage assumes. He knows he has to deal with it and acts as a balancing act:“We have always made sure to free ourselves from the presence, or not, of a player. » With 62% victories, he is the most successful Lyon coach since Bruno Genesio. Since his arrival, he has seen 14 major players leave, for 18 recruits, in just two transfer windows. Lyon is 5e of Ligue 1, five points behind second. OL is the second team that shoots the most and the third in terms ofexpected goals (xG) created. And who better than Montpellier, dead last, to start the year off right? OL are heading into the second half of the season with a Champions League qualification to look forward to and a good run in the Europa League to look forward to. Good sporting results prove vital to stabilize the club's finances. A reduced payroll, a smaller workforce, but intact sporting ambitions, such is the mission of Sage and his Gones. Do as much with less. A circus act, so as not to end up in the pit.
Lyon Montpellier prediction: Analysis, odds and prediction of the Ligue 1 match
