Lyon’s Ligue 1 future opens door to high-level Manchester City transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City could resume talks with Lyon over a more high-level transfer to the French club following their confirmed safety in the French top-flight.

The French giants officially won their appeal against relegation to Ligue 2 over the course of last week, opening the door once again for a high-profile loan move from Manchester City, and perhaps involving Argentine talent Claudio Echeverri.

Lyon’s demotion was initially confirmed by French football’s financial watchdog, the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), due to concerns over the club’s fiscal health over the last few seasons and ahead of the new campaign.

The shock decision put a number of proposed transfer moves on hold, particularly those involving high wages or strategic deals tied to their top-flight status. Among them was an agreement reportedly involving Manchester City, struck as part of the wider negotiations that brought Rayan Cherki to the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer.

Cherki’s arrival marked a significant move in City’s ongoing efforts to bolster their attacking options with creative, multi-functional players. The 21-year-old Frenchman, who had been on the radar of top European clubs for several seasons, joined Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup last month and was widely impressive.

The nature of Manchester City’s business with Olympique Lyonnais reportedly included a reciprocal agreement — one which could now be revived with the French club’s top-tier status reinstated.

Following confirmation last week that Lyon will now remain in Ligue 1 having won their appeal against relegation, it now remains to be seen whether Claudio Echeverri will move to the French side, having been wanted before their relegation to Ligue 2 for financial issues.

Echeverri — who formally arrived at City from River Plate earlier this year — is one of the most closely watched young midfielders in South America. Still only 19, the playmaker captained Argentina at youth level and was instrumental in performances.

While the exciting Argentina youth international is seen as a long-term project for Manchester City, the club is actively considering pathways for him to develop in senior European football next season.

A loan to Lyon would make strategic sense. Not only would it provide Echeverri with regular top-flight football in a competitive European league, but it would also keep him within the framework of a club with strong development credentials — particularly with attacking players.

That said, much will depend on how City structure their plans for Echeverri, especially in light of interest from other clubs, including Girona. As previously reported, Girona — another City Football Group side — also admire Echeverri, though they are believed to face stiff competition due to the player’s rising profile and preference for a more prominent developmental role.

For now, Lyon’s reprieve means the door is wide open for a City-Lyon link-up, potentially marking a smart piece of business for both clubs. With pre-season underway and squad plans being finalised, a decision on Echeverri’s immediate future could arrive sooner rather than later — and Lyon may just be back in pole position.