Lyon's Textor Clarifies No €100 Million Player Sale Target Amid Financial Speculations

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Lyon's owner, John Textor, clarified that the club does not need to sell players worth 100 million euros before the summer transfer window closes. Despite a rough start to the season, with no wins or goals in their first two matches, Textor emphasised that there are alternative ways to generate revenue.

Textor mentioned, "We do not have sales targets, and we are not required to sell 100 million of players as there may be other ways to bring in revenues to maintain financial sustainability." This statement came after reports suggested Lyon had listed most of their squad for transfer to raise 75 million euros. The club has spent approximately 134 million euros since June, more than any other French team.

The American businessman highlighted that flexibility exists in generating cash flows. He said, "Every company in France has the same challenge. At the end of the year, negative equity has to be restored. It's no different in football." This indicates that Lyon is exploring various avenues to balance their budget without relying solely on player sales.

Lyon's season began poorly with a 3-0 defeat against Rennes, where they managed only two shots on target from 16 attempts. Their subsequent home game saw them lose 2-0 to Monaco, registering just one shot—their lowest in a Ligue 1 match since Opta started collecting data in 2006-07.

Despite these setbacks, Textor remains optimistic about the club's financial health and future performance. He acknowledged that it has been a slow transfer window but stressed that this does not compel them to meet specific budget targets immediately.

Ownership and Financial Performance

Eagle Football Group, which owns 87.7% of Lyon's share capital, acquired the club in 2022. The group reported a yearly revenue of 368.3 million euros in June, marking a 78% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by events and an increase in player trading activities.

Textor also owns stakes in Botafogo (Brazil), RVD Molenbeek (Belgium), and Crystal Palace (England). His diverse portfolio underscores his experience and strategic approach to managing football clubs across different markets.

Transfer Market Strategy

Textor indicated that Lyon might sell two more players before the transfer window closes on Friday. He noted that while they might have missed their usual budget during the off-season, it doesn't necessitate immediate corrective actions. "If it's a slow transfer window, then we hold players until the next window. It's as simple as that," he added.

This approach reflects a measured strategy aimed at maintaining financial stability while navigating market conditions. By holding onto players rather than making rushed sales, Lyon aims to optimise both their squad strength and financial outcomes over time.

Lyon's current situation highlights the complexities of managing a football club's finances amid competitive pressures and market dynamics. Textor's comments suggest a balanced approach focused on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains through player sales.