Firmly established as one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Olympique Lyonnais are regulars when it comes to the Champions League knock-out rounds in the spring. But their very presence in Europe’s elite competition is under serious threat, and with the risk there is the knock-on effect that les Gones could lose some of their most talented players in the summer.
Ten games remain of the Championnat campaign, yet OL are not to be found amongst France’s top three. Rudi Garcia’s enterprising and entertaining Lille side lead the way, followed by reigning champions Olympique de Marseille. The come upstarts Stade Rennais, who have shaken off last term’s gross underperformance by exceeding expectations by a similar margin this season.
Not until you reach fourth will you find Claude Puel’s Lyon, who are suffering the effects of a wretched start to the season that had them lying in the relegation zone at the beginning of October. OL are now only one point from the podium, but the manner in which their rivals are playing would suggest that they face a very real tussle for that vital third spot.
If there is no Champions League football at the Stade Gerland next season, that would mean Lyon would have to cut their cloth accordingly in the transfer market, but perhaps more crucially it would almost certainly mean the departure of some of their leading players. Here are some of those who could move on.
Name: Hugo Lloris
Position: Goalkeeper
D.o.B: December 26, 1986 (age 24)
Who could he move to? Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich
Firmly established as France’s No.1 shot-stopper, Hugo Lloris is one of Europe’s greatest hopes in the position at the age of just 24. Noted for his terrific ability to make reflex saves, he is a goalkeeper who deserves to be playing at the very highest level on a regular basis. Even if Lyon do make the Champions League, OL would face a struggle to keep their goalkeeper, but if they were to fail to make the top three, the young custodian’s departure would certainly be hastened.
Interest has already arrived from England, with Manchester United and Arsenal both linked with a potential move for the former Nice player, while a switch to Bayern Munich, who are also in the market for a goalkeeper, should be considered a wildcard option, especially if the Bavarians fail to capture Manuel Neuer.
Equally, Italian reports suggest Juventus hold an interest in Lloris, though Gianluigi Buffon would have to depart before that move could be made.
Name: Miralem Pjanic
Position: Midfielder
D.o.B: April 2, 1990 (age 21)
Where could he move to? A Bundesliga club
Burst onto the scene with Metz during their relegation campaign of 2007-08, but since then has failed to firmly establish himself as a first choice at Lyon, voicing his discontent at being largely stuck on the bench behind an underperforming Yoann Gourcuff this season.
The scene is set for the young Bosnian midfielder to depart, though expressions of interest in the 21-year-old have not been forthcoming in the public domain. Such a talented player will certainly not go unnoticed, and it might be that he’s best suited to a move to Germany, where youngsters are frequently given an opportunity to shine. Additionally, he would be near his adopted home of Luxembourg.
Name: Michel Bastos
Position: Left-back/Attacking midfielder
D.o.B: August 2, 1983 (age 27)
Where could he move to? Juventus, Manchester United, Inter, Tottenham
A relative newcomer to Lyon, having only joined the club a couple of seasons ago from Lille, the Brazilian’s influence on the team has since been profound in a variety of positions across the offensive midfield sector. Additionally able to play at left-back, the 27-year-old broke into the Selecao during his first season at the Stade Gerland, though has lost his spot in the national roster since Mano Menezes took over. Bastos, though, remains a coveted star.
Juventus are leading the chase for the left-sided player, whom they believe could solve their problems in the left-back slot. OL president Jean-Michel Aulas is likely to make the Old Lady pay a hefty fee for the player, as he was signed for €18 million, and Lyon will want a return on that investment. If the two clubs can reach an agreement, expect this deal to be given the green light should Lyon slump to fourth in Ligue 1.
A number of other clubs are watching the Brazilian, with Spurs viewing him as a potential replacement for Gareth Bale.
Name: Lisandro Lopez
Position: Striker
D.o.B: March 2, 1983 (age 28)
Where could he move to? Sevilla, Real Madrid, elsewhere in Spain, a top Serie A side
Lyon’s most loved player, the work ethic and skills of Lisandro have made him the darling of the Stade Gerland. However, the Argentine is a player who will crave top-level football, and should OL fail to offer him this, a departure certainly is not unthinkable.
Sevilla are the only side concretely linked with ‘Licha’ as the season concludes, though a move to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan would appear very unlikely to due to the Andalucians’ financial predicament. Whispers that Real Madrid could hold a candle for the player are also unlikely to come to fruition.
Other Primera Division clubs are sure to be interested in such an attacker, who would also figure well with one of Serie A’s leading sides.
