Official | Villarreal sign Georges Mikautadze from Lyon | OneFootball

Villarreal have signed Georges Mikautadze (24) from Lyon, both clubs have announced. The 24-year-old striker rejoined his boyhood club last summer after impressing with Metz, but he’s already on his way out as Lyon needed to raise around €40m in player sales before the closure of the window, in order to fulfil the promises made to the DNCG and UEFA. According to Lyon, Mikautadze’s total transfer package rises to €36m and includes €5m worth of bonuses. Mikautadze penned a six-year deal with Villarreal.

Initially deemed untransferable at the start of the window, Mikautadze’s situation shifted dramatically in recent days. Lyon, struggling to secure departures elsewhere in the squad — notably Malick Fofana — were forced to reconsider their stance when Villarreal tabled a €35m+ offer. Mikautadze returned to Lyon on Sunday to bid his farewell at the Groupama Stadium in the aftermath of Les Gones‘ 1-0 home win against Marseille.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval