🔎 2025-26 season: austerity measures, a blessing for Lyon?

A very special context...

Just a few days away from resuming official competitions, OL is generating uncertainty among observers. After a summer start marked by a conservative relegation and the eviction of John Textor, the Gones have sought to strengthen themselves, navigating between an austere climate and constraints imposed by the DNCG. Here's what we can expect from the Olympique Lyonnais season.

The transfer market 💰

The Rhone transfer market began in complete uncertainty. Without knowing if the club would stay in the top flight, the managers had to wait until July 9 and the positive decision of the DNCG to strengthen the first team. Since then, OL has changed its strategy. Forget the 30 M€ recruits: the club is conducting a rather ambitious but financially constrained transfer market, between targeted arrivals and indispensable sales.

If the signings of Tyler Morton, Pavel Šulc, Ruben Kluivert, Afonso Moreira, and the return of Tagliafico have been officialized, it's especially on the departures side that OL has achieved feats. Michael Gerlinger and his teams have managed to drastically reduce a wage bill that was much too high: Alexandre Lacazette has left the club, as have Rayan Cherki, Thiago Almada, Lucas Perri, Duje Caleta-Car, Jordan Veretout, etc. This allows the club to start anew on healthier bases, even if it must now do without its best offensive assets.

Pre-season ☀️

Despite two rather timid first matches in terms of content against Villefranche (1-0) and Molenbeek (0-0), OL has largely managed to raise its level of play since then. After two very convincing victories against Hambourg (0-4) and Majorque (0-4), OL then lost on the Allianz Arena pitch against Bayern Munich (2-1), before rebounding against Getafe (2-1).

In the image of worked ball exits and often well-executed pressing, the "Fonseca touch" is becoming more and more apparent.

Objectives 💪

In a press conference, Michael Gerlinger assured that the Lyonnais objective was to reach the next Champions League, but the reality on the ground could quickly catch up with the German leader. Even if OL has shown inventiveness in its recruitment and seriousness in its preparation, it has nonetheless lost several elements that seemed indispensable just a few months ago.

After a stunning season, Rayan Cherki will be difficult to replace, just like Lucas Perri who played a crucial role in the Europa League. The contribution of the new recruits remains to be seen.

The 3️⃣ leaders

Corentin Tolisso

After Lacazette's departure, it's only logical that he inherits the armband.

Nicolas Tagliafico

If the financial situation of OL initially prevented his extension, the Argentine finally signed on for two more years. Potentially the best "recruit" of the Lyonnais transfer market.

Moussa Niakhaté

Although he sometimes disappointed last season, he remains a potential starter in Fonseca's mind, notably due to his natural leadership and experience.

The young player to watch 💎

Khalis Merah

If his name is still unknown to you, it's probably only a matter of time. A regular player for the U19 team last season, he participated in all 5 of OL's preparation matches, each time as a starter. The 18-year-old midfielder has a very good vision and a particularly silky right foot. One to watch this season, without a doubt.

The typical lineup 🔥

OL should still recruit at least two more players: a goalkeeper and a right winger. Moreover, the Gones will likely have to face the assaults of the Premier League for their jewel Malick Fofana.

Here's what the Rhone lineup could look like:

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE - AFP or licensors