Georges Mikautadze, a Georgian attacker who arrived at OL last summer, finally left the club to join Villarreal. Originally considered intransferable, his departure was motivated by OL’s financial difficulties, which had to balance his accounts after Malick Fofana’s transfer failed. An agreement has been concluded with Villarreal for a transfer estimated at 35 million euros, of which more than 30 million immediately paid to OL, which also retains 10% on a possible future gain. This loss of sport was a hard blow for the Lyon force, as Mikautadze had perfectly started the season and had become an attacker. His departure deprives OL of a trade centre at a crucial moment, and the management plans to recruit two new attackers, probably on loan, to compensate for this departure.

At the same time, OL managed to retain Nicolas Tagliafico, the Argentine defender returning to the club after the end of his contract. The player was reassured about the prospect of joining a competitive team and extended his contract for two years. This stability in defence is an asset for OL, which is preparing to face the Olympique de Marseille with a reinforced workforce.

With regard to the Europa League, OL benefited from a particularly favourable draw, considered the easiest among French clubs. This chance allows Paulo Fonseca players to aim for the top 8 and direct qualifying in the eighth of the final. OL also failed in their attempt to recruit Facundo Buonanotte, the Argentine attacker finally signing with Chelsea as a loan. This defect complicates the search for an offensive reinforcement for OL, which must now find another player to fill the vacuum left by Mikautadze and reinforce his attack.