Mercato OL: Castello Lukeba’s departure from Lyon takes shape
Having the obligation to sell players to generate liquidity, Lyon is negotiating with RB Leipzig for Castello Lukeba, whose departure is becoming more likely.
OL Transfer Market: Lyon and Leipzig close to an agreement for Castello Lukeba
Olympique Lyonnais has no choice but to sell players. The DNCG recently informed John Textor that he must inject 60 million euros to improve the club‘s financial situation. Time is running out as the deadline set by the French football financial authority is June 30th.
The club’s management has taken matters into their own hands in recent days, focusing on the highest market value player in Lyon‘s squad, Castello Lukeba. Currently representing France in the U21 European Championship, the central defender has not discussed his future with the club’s management yet, and a departure now seems the most likely option.
In this regard, RB Leipzig is in pole position to welcome the French defender next season, as he is excited about the sporting project of the German club. However, there is still work to be done as Lyon must reach an agreement with Leipzig. The German club is willing to offer 27 million euros, while Lyon‘s management is determined to receive 35 million euros for the player. Nevertheless, Foot Mercato reports that discussions are still ongoing and an agreement should be reached soon, with a transfer fee of around 30 million euros.
Other departures will occur at Lyon
In addition to the likely departure of Castello Lukeba, other players will also leave Olympique Lyonnais in the coming days. However, most of these departures will not generate any income for the club as the players in question are reaching the end of their contracts. Among them is Moussa Dembélé, who will be a free agent on June 30th and is looking for a new club for the next season. As for Karl Toko-Ekambi, he does not intend to return to Lyon in the near future, and a termination of his contract is being considered by Olympique Lyonnais to release him.
