Olympique Lyonnais (OL) is currently engaged in a fierce struggle to recruit Pierre Lees-Melou, midfielder at Stade Brestois, considered a priority by the club management. However, the transaction is expected to be complex due to the high financial requirements of the Breton club, which seems reluctant to sell one of its key players only two years after the end of its contract. OL, aware of the need to control its spending following financial sanctions imposed by the DNACG, is seeking to identify promising profiles at reasonable costs. Despite this budgetary constraint, the club is willing to invest to strengthen its field environment with quality players.

In parallel to this track, OL is approaching the acquisition of Ruben Kluivert, Portuguese central defender and son of former Dutch international Patrick Kluivert. The young player, currently playing in Casa Pia, is also interested in RC Lens, which is pressuring to seize its services. This approach is part of the strategy of the new Lyon management, led by Michael Gerlinger and Matthieu Louis-Jean, which aims to identify talents from Portugal, while respecting the financial constraints of the club. OL has already secured the arrival of Afonso Moreira, a young wingman from Sporting, to strengthen its workforce.

Ruben Kluivert’s arrival could be formalised soon, with an agreement in principle between his club and OL regarding a transfer allowance the amount of which has not been disclosed. A five-year contract is even envisaged for the player, trained in Utrecht. The RC Lens, aware of Lyon’s interest, tries to counter these plans by offering to buy out the last two years of Kluivert’s contract. This illustrates the increased competition for young Portuguese talent and the need for OL to be responsive and effective in their recruitment operations.