Lyon fire sale? Four players who could be in demand after relegation | OneFootball

Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 in France over issues with the club’s finances.

The club’s board have failed to convince authorities that their financial situation has improved, with the DNGC provisionally relegating Lyon, subject to an appeal.

In October, John Textor’s Eagle Football Group, which owns a 77% stake in Lyon, announced debts of £422m. Lyon’s relegation and financial issues could lead to a fire sale of talent this summer, with vultures sure to be circling a club that has a long history of producing players.

We’ve looked at four players who could be in demand after Lyon’s relegation.

Lyon relegated: Four players who could be in demand after French side’s relegation

Malick Fofana

Malick Fofana’s name has already attracted plenty of attention this summer with Chelsea and Liverpool among the names tracking his progress. The 20-year-old had a breakout season with Lyon in 2024/25, scoring 11 times in all competitions and adding five assists.

No u-20 player averaged more progressive carriers per 90 minutes across Europe’s top five leagues last season, with Fofana outperforming Jamie Gittens and Lamine Yamal on the metric. Though he remains raw, the one-cap Belgium international is a player of rich potential.

Georges Mikautadze

Georges Mikautadze joined Lyon last summer after impressing for Georgia at Euro 2024. The joint-leading scorer at the tournament, he signed for Lyon from Metz in an €18.5m deal and had a productive if frustrating season.

Mikautadze scored 17 goals in all competitions despite limited involvement due to the presence of Alexandre Lacazette. The former netted 11 times in Ligue 1 from just 13 starts, adding six assists.

In all competitions, Mikautadze averaged a goal or assist every 84 minutes. At just 24 and with a record of 20 goals in 37 caps internationally, he could be a smart pick-up for sides searching for firepower.

Ernest Nuamah

Ernest Nuamah has been regularly touted with a move to the Premier League in recent windows. The 21-year-old has caught the eye since moving to Lyon and saw a transfer to Fulham collapse last summer.

Nuamah scored six times and provided two assists last season before a cruciate knee ligament injury curtailed his campaign. His lengthy absence could dissuade suitors but there will be no shortage of interest if Nuamah is available for the right fee.

The Ghana international ranked in the top 20% of wingers in France for shots on target, successful take-ons, ball recoveries and progressive carrying distance per 90 in 2024/25.

Orel Mangala

Orel Mangala spent last season on loan at Everton and was another who saw his campaign ended prematurely due to a knee injury. The Belgian made a positive start to his time with the Toffees before a knee issue halted his progress.

Mangala ranked in the top 15% of Premier League players for interceptions, pass completion, and percentage of dribblers tackled last season.

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