Despite departures and financial concerns, OL is about to make two unexpected internal strokes, which will reassure the supporters.
The wind of departures blows strongly on Décines this summer. After saying goodbye to figures like Alexandre Lacazette, Rayan Cherki and Thiago Almada, Olympique Lyonnais must continue to maneuver with significant financial constraints. Management is seen
Obliged to degrease and sell to lighten the payroll and fill the boxes. In this context, the supporters logically expected to see other frames fold luggage. However, against all odds, the club would be about to secure the future of two of its best elements.
Fofana and Tagliafico should stay
These two good news concerns Malick Fofana and Nicolas Tagliafico. For the first, the relief is immense. Arrived in January 2024 for 17 million euros, the young Belgian quickly established himself as an indisputable holder. Its market value exploded, and a sale could have been an easy added value.
But Fofana feels good in Lyon, It is not in a hurry to leave, and the club does not seem to want to separate from its nugget. For the second, the surprise is even greater. World champion, big salary, Tagliafico had the perfect profile of the player for sale. But the Argentinian wants playing time for the 2026 World Cup, and he would be ready for a financial effort to stay in a club where he feels important.
The trend is therefore clear: they should stay. For Fofana, this is the confirmation of a medium -term project. For Tagliafico, it is the guarantee of keeping a cloakroom leader and an essential experienced player. Two victories for the Lyon leadership, which proves that she does not fully undergo her transfer window and that she also knows how to retain key elements when the sports project commands him.
2024 Icon SportOL: Fofana and Tagliafico remain, but another Taulier will leave
Tolisso, next brand start?
But this double good news should not make us forget that the workforce is changing. Because if Fofana and Tagliafico left to stay, another Taulier is on the start: Corentin Tolisso. The Lyonnais captain is very courted.
Manchester United has positioned itself seriously, While Atlético de Madrid also follows the file closely. At 30, the midfielder could be tempted by a last major challenge abroad.
OL is therefore found in a subtle balance. The club manages to thwart the forecasts by keeping two players who were thinking about the departure, but at the same time is about to lose its captain. More than a simple degreasing, it is a targeted reconstruction which is underway. Summer is still long, but the new face of OL is starting to take shape.
