Lyon Boss claims selling Orban, others vital to club stability

Olympique Lyonnais manager Pierre Sage has acknowledged the inevitability of player sales during the upcoming transfer window as the club faces financial challenges.

Following a sanction from the DNCG, France’s football financial watchdog, the club must take decisive steps to stabilise its finances and maintain its Ligue 1 status.

Lyon's provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and a recruitment ban in January have made selling players a necessity for the French giants.

The club has reportedly drawn up a list of potential departures, including Gift Orban, Wilfried Zaha, Said Benrahma, Ernest Nuamah, and Maxence Caqueret.

However, Lyon aims to retain prized assets Malick Fofana and Rayan Cherki to balance financial needs with on-field competitiveness.

Sage explained that reducing the squad size was already part of the plan, given the club's bloated roster. “It’s already normal [to sell] given the depth in the squad.

"We have 24 outfield players and four goalkeepers, so regardless, it was always necessary to decrease the squad size. It doesn’t really change the plan,” Sage said during a press conference.

Owner John Textor had previously stated his intention to reduce the squad from 29 to 23 or 24 players, aligning with Sage’s remarks.

However, the sales must be carefully managed to ensure Lyon can remain competitive in their pursuit of European football.

Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic also commented on the need to remain competitive despite selling part of the squad, saying, “All of the players are for sale? We need a team to play.”

With domestic and European aspirations still alive, Lyon must navigate this challenging period carefully to avoid jeopardising their on-field performance.