Lyon close in on deal for Ruben Kluivert | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais are set to complete the signing of Ruben Kluivert (24) from Portuguese side Casa Pia for a fee just over €3m, according to L’Équipe. The Dutch centre-back is expected to sign a five-year contract running until June 2030.

Kluivert, the son of Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert and brother of Justin, will become the third member of the family to feature in French football. A tall (1.87m), quick central defender, Ruben has been one of the standout performers in the Casa Pia backline since arriving from Utrecht in 2023. His contract in Portugal was due to run until 2027.

Lyon were recently cleared to play in Ligue 1 after a successful appeal to the DNCG but have to navigate a tricky transfer window after internally enacting austerity. The club has leaned on Paulo Fonseca’s contacts to validate the move, notably through veteran Portuguese defender José Fonte, who played alongside Kluivert last season.

This deal would make Kluivert OL’s second summer signing, after the arrival of Afonso Moreira a young winger from Sporting CP. Moreira has already reportedly started training with the squad pending the official confirmation of his move.

Meanwhile, Lyon are continuing talks with Brest over the potential signing of Pierre Lees-Melou (32). The midfielder has already agreed personal terms with OL and is seen as a priority target for Fonseca in midfield. The former Nice and Norwich player is expected to cost around €5m. His arrival may hinge on the confirmed departure of Jordan Veretout to Al-Arabi in Qatar, which would free up significant wage space and generate a symbolic €1m fee.GFFN | George Boxall