Faced with the financial difficulties of the club and the supervision of the DNACG, Olympique Lyonnais is actively exploring the transfer market with a pragmatic approach. Attention was drawn to Ruben Kluivert, a 24-year-old defender at Casa Pia in Portugal. The son of Patrick Kluivert, legend of Dutch football and FC Barcelona, and brother of Justin Kluivert (currently in Bournemouth), the young player would hesitate between Lyon and Lens. Despite an already advanced age and a career that has not taken off, Ruben Kluivert has the advantage of a moderate cost, with an estimated market value of 800,000 euros. Lyon would have offered the player a five-year contract, a potentially interesting opportunity for the club.

The ten-year partnership between Olympique Lyonnais and the Dakar Sacré-Coeur, much more than just commercial collaboration, was marked by a profound human and cultural exchange. Originally signed in 2015 and renewed several times, this partnership allowed many young Senegalese talents to discover European football, notably by integrating OL teams. This collaboration contributed to the development of training at the DSC in Dakar, drawing on Lyon’s expertise. Figures such as Philippe Eullafroy, former technical director in Dakar, are now integrated into the OL Académie, demonstrating the sustainability of this unique link. Sports and cultural exchanges, particularly with U16 teams, have strengthened the links between the two countries.

OL’s interest in Ruben Kluivert is part of an economic recruitment strategy, given the club’s recent relegation to Ligue 2. The defender, solid in duels and air games, represents a bet at lower cost with a market value of about one million euros. OL had reportedly advanced its case for several weeks, but the relegation had put the project on hold. A five-year contract would be offered to the player in Décines, potentially making OL the third French club to welcome a member of the Kluivert family after Lille and Nice.