Thanks to its retention in Ligue 1, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) can now concentrate on summer mercato. After a relatively quiet month of activity, the Lyon club currently favours departures, notably that of Rayan Cherki. Although the leadership, embodied by Michael Gerlinger, expressed the ambition to target Europe, other acquisitions are planned. The situation of Georges Mikautadze is encouraging, but the extension of Malick Fofana, a player courted by several European clubs such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, promises to be more delicate. OM is also interested in Fofana, potentially putting pressure on OL, although priority remains Igor Paixão.

The retention in Ligue 1, obtained thanks to a request from the DNACG, is a relief for OL and its supporters. This qualification allows management to pursue its “financial discipline” policy in a more serene climate. In just ten days, Michele Kang and Michael Gerlinger managed to restore confidence within the club and with the various stakeholders, including the DNACG and local elected officials. This success is based on the expertise of collaborators like Thierry Sauvage, and marks a change from the previous policy, considered too risky.

However, the renewal of OL is a long-term process. The resumption of activity of Jean-Michel Aulas, former president, raises concerns about the multiplication of actors around the club, whose interests would not always be aligned with those of OL. Nicolas Puydebois, consultant, stressed the importance of prioritising the institution in favour of personal interests. Although maintenance is good news, the future of the club will depend on the ability to build a sustainable renewal, focused on the interest of OL and its supporters.