Olympique Lyonnais plays a tight part with the DNCG. Relegated to Ligue 2 for financial reasons, the club has only a few days to bring together the 70 million euros necessary for its survival in the elite. In this emergency, a name insistently comes up: Malick Fofana. At only 20 years old, the Belgian international represents the last key card from the club since the announced departure of Rayan Cherki. But if the player's talent attracts lusts, the Lyonnais may well compromise the outcome of the operation.
Fofana, last hope of an OL back to the wall
According to The IndependentOL claims no less than 60 million euros for its winger, author of 11 goals and 6 assists last season. A price deemed disproportionate by several clubs interested, notably in England. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have all expressed interest, just like Bayern and Naples. Nottingham Forest, more quick to act, would even have reached an agreement with Lyon … but remains pending a green light from the player, which favors a Champions League project.
With this overvaluation, OL takes the risk of being without concrete offer on time. However, Fofana alone cannot alone fill the club's financial chasm. The message sent to the contenders is clear: Lyon will not sell off his jewel. But this rigid posture, dictated as much by urgency as by pride, could scare buyers. And behind the image of an ambitious seller club, perhaps hides a presidency overwhelmed by the seriousness of the situation.
Relegated, OL tries it all for all with Fofana
A risky strategy for the new presidency
Michelle Kang, just named at the head of Olympique Lyonnais, seems to take the same mistakes as her predecessor John Textor. Hoping for a financial miracle through a single sale, the club forgets that its sporting and administrative credibility is at stake. Other assets will inevitably have to leave, but it is still necessary to adopt a coherent strategy adapted to the market. Because European clubs, however fond of young talents, know how to negotiate in the time of forced sales.
By betting everything on Fofana, OL hopes to trigger a saving auction. But the wait for the player, who prefers to wait for a second -plan destination to derail this last -minute plan. And with the approach that approaches, it is a whole project that vacillates, between illusion of grandeur and financial precipice.
