After weeks of intense behind-the-scenes work, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) can finally take up the floor on the ground from Thursday 10 July. This announcement follows the conclusion of the retention in League 1, a decision confirmed by the DNACG Appeal Board. The club now focuses on reconstruction after the administrative demotion of 24 June, a period that requires catching up with lost time. The management, with Paulo Fonseca at its head, is committed to respecting the road map drawn up on Wednesday in front of the DNACG, a plan that will inevitably involve the departure of players, while retaining the possibility of recruits, an option that has been missing for six months.

The recruitment unit, headed by Matthew Louis-Jeandet, will not, however, have complete freedom in its movements. DNACG has imposed a framework for transfer payments. Michael Gerlinger, Managing Director, insists on the need to respect the budget presented on Wednesday, which implies a delicate balance between sales and arrivals to maintain competitiveness. The issue of John Textor’s already quasi-refined transfer operations, including the alleged arrival of Danilo and Matt Turner from Nottingham Forest, raises questions about their sustainability under the new direction. The Director General preferred not to comment on the mercato, while stressing the need to verify the contractual situation of the players envisaged.

OL’s retention in Ligue 1 for the 2025-2026 season is an important victory for the club and its fans. DNACG has also taken steps to regulate payroll and transfer payments, within the budget originally presented. This decision allows the Lyon fans to rejoice to see their team evolve for the 37th consecutive season in the French football elite. A special issue will be devoted to this maintenance, with the participation of Razik Brikh and Nicolas Puydébois, who will analyse the club’s future prospects. The press conference of Jean-Michel Aulas, which took place on Wednesday evening, was also discussed, offering an overview of the complex challenges facing Olympique Lyonnais. Despite these challenges, the honour of the club is safe.