With the departure of RayanCherki and Alexandre Lacazette, CorentinTolisso found himself one of the remaining pillars of the Lyon team, a role that he seems ready to assume fully. After a particularly successful 2024-2025 season, the French midfielder demonstrated that he was able to regain the level promised to him before his recurrent injuries. His return to strength was welcomed by the club, which plans to build his project around him to maintain competitiveness in Ligue 1 and in the Europa League. However, as his contract expired in June 2027, the issue of its extension was crucial, especially with the growing interest of other clubs.

The situation of Thiago Almada, the designated replacement for the French international, is more complex. Initially planned to assess his adaptation to European football and Lyon life, his future at OL is uncertain. Despite the continued interest of Benfica Lisbon, which would have offered 28 million euros for 60% of its rights, OL does not have full control over the operation. Atletico Madrid is also interested, intensifying discussions with its entourage. Although the player is not insensitive to the idea of joining Madrid, the option of staying in Lyon is not completely ruled out, but the status quo persists for the moment.

Manchester United’s interest in CorentinTolisso adds a new dimension to the situation. The English club, having carefully observed his performances, would have initiated a first contact to recruit him. Although Tolisso did not want to engage in a battle with OL, he was open to the idea of discovering the Premier League at 30, even without a European qualification. The Lyon leaders are therefore faced with a dilemma: reconciling the financial constraints associated with salary with the need to keep a player of his calibre to maintain the team’s sporting attractiveness. The final decision is now up to the club leaders.