The atmosphere at Décines will be particularly intense tonight, with the resumption of OL training. If attention is focused on the athlete, the real stakes take place behind the scenes. The management, under the direction of Paulo Fonseca, is mobilizing to ensure the rise of the club in Ligue 1 from 16 August. For the past week, Michele Kangne and Michael Gerlinger have worked hard to ensure a positive call following the notification of the DNACG’s requirements. There is a need for substantial funding, with a sum of EUR 100 million expected in an account, supplemented by an additional guarantee of EUR 100 million to anticipate possible financial problems for the coming season.

The financial task is considerable and will not be borne solely by Michele Kangne. Ares should be the guarantor for the second tranche of financing, but the first sum of EUR 100 million must be available by Thursday, the deadline set by the DNACG Appeal Board. The new Presidency will have to contribute, but not entirely. According to L’Equipe, about ten million could come from a sale. For the moment, Rayaan Cherki is the only player to have considered a start, the other movements being mainly waivers of buying options.

The hope for relief could come from Lucas Perri, who has been in strong demand for several weeks because of his profile and the financial situation of OL. The club hopes to take advantage of the competition to obtain a cheque over 20 million euros. However, a prior agreement between OL and Botafogo in January 2024 provides that only 50% of this amount is paid to the Lyon caisses. In this context, EUR 10 million would be a realistic and meaningful result.