Olympique Lyon, despite being under a transfer ban, has added a player to its squad. The French club, which is struggling with financial issues, has signed former Ajax target Thiago Almada on loan.
Lyon has caused a stir in the football world by announcing the loan signing of Thiago Almada despite being under a transfer ban.
The club revealed on its official website that the deal is structured as a free loan, effectively bypassing the restrictions imposed by the transfer ban. Almada joins from Brazilian club Botafogo, but the deal is far from a straightforward act of generosity. Both Lyon and Botafogo are owned by businessman John Textor, who leveraged his dual ownership to strengthen Lyon's squad without breaching the financial constraints currently limiting the club.
Almada’s move highlights the complex financial and operational ties within Textor’s football empire. By orchestrating the transfer as an internal arrangement, Textor has provided Lyon with a much-needed reinforcement while avoiding any direct financial outlay that could further strain the club's precarious finances. This maneuver has drawn significant attention to the loopholes in the transfer ban regulations, raising questions about the fairness and enforcement of such penalties.
The arrival of Almada is a significant boost for Lyon, a club struggling to regain its footing both on and off the pitch. Almada, a highly rated Argentine attacking midfielder, has already showcased his talent in different leagues. He moved to Botafogo in the summer of 2024 from Atlanta United, where he had built a reputation as one of the most promising young players in Major League Soccer. Almada’s technical skills, vision, and versatility have made him a sought-after player, with Ajax previously expressing strong interest in signing him in 2023. However, a deal with the Dutch giants never materialized.
Since joining Botafogo, Almada has made an immediate impact, appearing in 26 matches in just six months. His performances in Brazil have further solidified his reputation, and his move to Lyon represents a new chapter in his career. The loan agreement ensures that Lyon acquires a player of Almada’s caliber without incurring additional financial obligations, a critical consideration given the club’s ongoing financial difficulties.
Earlier reports from L'Équipe shed light on the dire financial situation at Lyon, revealing that the club is undertaking significant cost-cutting measures to stabilize its finances. These efforts are aimed at avoiding a conditional relegation that could see the club demoted to Ligue 2. Such a scenario would be catastrophic for a club with Lyon’s history and stature, further emphasizing the importance of finding creative solutions like Almada’s loan to maintain competitiveness in Ligue 1.
Lyon’s financial struggles are not a new development. The club has been grappling with mounting debts and a lack of consistent revenue streams, exacerbated by underwhelming performances on the field in recent seasons. The transfer ban, imposed due to the club’s inability to meet certain financial criteria, is just one symptom of these broader challenges. However, John Textor’s involvement as the club’s owner has introduced a new dynamic. His multi-club ownership model, which includes Botafogo and other teams, has allowed him to leverage resources across his portfolio in innovative ways.
Almada’s loan move not only addresses Lyon’s immediate need for attacking reinforcements but also underscores the potential advantages of such ownership structures. However, it has also sparked debate over the ethical and regulatory implications of these arrangements. Critics argue that such maneuvers undermine the spirit of transfer bans and create an uneven playing field. Supporters, on the other hand, view it as a pragmatic solution that allows financially troubled clubs to navigate their challenges without further compromising their competitiveness.
For Almada, the move to Lyon represents an opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s top leagues and further elevate his profile. As a six-time Argentina international, he has already demonstrated his potential on the international stage. A strong showing at Lyon could pave the way for a permanent move to a European giant or even reinvigorate Lyon’s ambitions to return to its former glory.
The coming months will be crucial for Lyon as they navigate their financial challenges while striving to improve their performances in Ligue 1. Almada’s addition to the squad provides a glimmer of hope for the club’s supporters, who have endured a turbulent period marked by instability and uncertainty. Whether this bold move will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Lyon’s ability to adapt and innovate will be critical in shaping the club’s future both on and off the field.
