Last week, Olympique Lyonnais received a significant sanction from the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), placing the club under substantial financial pressure. Now, a few days later, the French club’s debt amount has come to light.
With the threat of relegation to Ligue 2 hanging over them, Lyon must make serious financial improvements to avoid this fate. As a result, the club may be forced to sell key players, such as Rayan Cherki or Malick Fofana, at lower prices in the upcoming winter transfer window.
Cherki, who signed a two-year contract extension with Lyon in September, gives the club some leverage in negotiations. However, L’Équipe reports that a departure this winter is a real possibility.
While Cherki’s ultimate goal is to play for Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring his situation closely.
Olympique Lyonnais’ debt revealed in latest report
Mail Sport reports that Lyon have £422 million worth of debt, which probably means the fire sale will need to start when the January transfer window opens in a few weeks.
🚨🇫🇷 Lyon have £422m worth of debt, reports @MailSport. 😳 pic.twitter.com/iVbDYBHQ73
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) November 20, 2024
Liverpool isn’t the only club interested, as PSG, Newcastle United, and Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be keeping an eye on the talented youngster.
According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Liverpool is considering Cherki as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, with Lyon reportedly looking to sell in order to ease their financial difficulties.