The summer transfer window ended without Olympique Lyonnais managing to strengthen its attack, following the departures of Georges Mikautadze (transferred to Villarreal) and Alexandre Lacazette. Supporters growl, and the management is betting on young people to fill the void. However, opportunities still exist: free agents can be signed outside the transfer windows. Here are five centers available for free, which could relaunch the Lyon attack. These profiles, from research on players without contract in September 2025, offer a mixture of experience, talent and potential adapted to Ligue 1.
1. Kelechi Iheanacho (28 years old, Nigerian):
A former Manchester City goalscorer and Leicester City, Iheanacho was released by Seville on the day of the transfer window of the transfer window, after a loan to Middlesbrough last season. With 322 career appearances and solid Premier League experience, he excels in the role of opportunistic finisher. At 28, he represents a young and dynamic option for OL, capable of quickly integrating into Ligue 1.
2. Karl Toko Ekambi (32, Cameroonian): Un Back to basics? Toko Ekambi has already worn the OL colors between 2020 and 2023, before leaving for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Released this summer, this Cameroonian international (483 career appearances) knows the club and Ligue 1 perfectly, with passages to Villarreal and Rennes. Its versatility in attack and its European experience make it a logical choice to stabilize the Lyon offensive sector.
3. Paco Alcácer (31 years old, Spanish): Trained in Valence, Alcácer shone in Dortmund and Villarreal before adventures in the Middle East (Sharjah and Emirates). With 435 pros and 12 goals in 19 selections with Spain, this technical and skillful center-forward in front of the goal could bring finesse to the attack on OL. At 31, he was looking for a return to Europe and could be attracted to an ambitious project in Ligue 1.
4. Patrick Bamford (31 years old, English): Released by Leeds United after a mutual agreement, Bamford was key to promoting Peacocks in the Premier League in 2020, scoring 60 goals in 205 games for the club. With 389 career appearances, this English striker is a reliable finisher, good in aerial game and in -depth calls. His championship experience and Premier League could help OL find offensive solidity.
5. Diego Costa (36, Spanish/Brazilian):
A charismatic veteran, Costa was released by Grêmio in January 2025 after a freelance in Brazil (8 goals in 26 games). Former Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and Wolves (561 career appearances), this combative and provocative center forward excels in physical duels. At 36, he could sign a short contract and become a mentor of young Lyonnais while bringing his Flair scorer in Ligue 1.
These players, all without a club in September 2025, represent realistic options for OL, without transfer costs. Of course, salary and physical negotiations would be necessary, but they could compensate for the crying lack in attack. Will Lyon management dare to jump on these opportunities to calm supporters? The future will tell us.
