This summer is shaping up to be a particularly challenging period for Olympique Lyonnais, as the club braces for a significant reshuffle of its roster. Concerns surrounding the club’s financial health have intensified, drawing the scrutiny of France’s financial watchdog, the DNCG. Should the threat of relegation to Ligue 2 materialize, Lyon could find itself facing drastic repercussions, including the possibility of a transfer ban that could further complicate their situation.
The future of several key players is now shrouded in uncertainty, most notably Thiago Almada. The 24-year-old Argentinian midfielder stands out as one of Lyon’s prime talents. He made the switch to OL on a free loan from Botafogo earlier this year, but the chances of him extending his stay in France appear bleak.
As reported by L’Équipe, Lyon’s president, John Textor, had initially hoped that Almada would briefly rejoin Botafogo to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Nonetheless, Almada has reportedly shown reluctance towards this plan, aiming instead to remain in Europe, where he has started to regain his form after his stint in Major League Soccer.
The restrictions imposed on Lyon’s transfer activities due to the current ban mean that a permanent deal for Almada is off the table. Furthermore, the original agreement with Botafogo did not include an option to purchase, likely paving the way for Atlético Madrid—who have long held an interest in Almada—to step in. With the departure of veteran Koke, Atlético is on the hunt for fresh midfield talent to lead them into a new phase.
As the dynamics of European football continue to evolve, the situation at Lyon and for players like Almada underscores the complex interplay between financial stability and the quest for athletic excellence. The upcoming transfer window is bound to be a crucial one for clubs navigating these tumultuous waters.
GFFN | Freddie Aston
