10 players could leave Lyon as they bid to avoid relegation to Ligue 2

Today at 06:56 AM

According to L’Équipe, as many as 10 players could leave Olympique Lyonnais during the January transfer window as they bid to avoid potential relegation to Ligue 2. 

After ruling that the Rhône club could face a potential demotion to the French second tier at the end of the season due to their precarious financial situation, Lyon have been forced to find ways to raise funds to avoid that outcome. One of these methods will be the sale of several players in the winter transfer window set to open on the 1st of January. 

Three players could potentially join/return to Lyon. All three of these players will be from sister club Botafogo – Thiago Almada, Luiz Henrique and Adryelson. The former is expected to complete a move elsewhere in Brazil following his return to the club, L’Équipe understands.  

Aside from the three potential incomings, there is a list as long as ten players who could leave the club. Anthony Lopes, Saël Kumbedi, Mohamed Diawara and Paul Akouokou compose a list of four players who have had limited or no opportunities this season. Therefore, a departure would make sense. 

However, in the first team, there are further 5 players OL could look to sell  in a bid to raise finances. Ernest Nuamah, Gift Orban, Rayan Cherki, Maxence Caqueret and Saïd Benrahma could all also be sold. Lyon may also look to release Wilfired Zaha from his loan early to avoid paying a hefty percentage of his wages. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith