Football Season Guide

Lyon enjoyed a strong campaign during the 2017-18 season and will be aiming to make a similarly impressive impression this time around. Head coach Bruno Genesio might not have made dramatic strides in the transfer window, but that was not really the aim for Lyon. Instead, it was retaining their key players, such as Nabil Fekir, which they have so far been able to do, despite interest from Liverpool. Meanwhile, OL have managed to offload some significant fringe players. Sergi Darder has departed to Espanyol while Nicolas Nkoulou, a huge flop, has gone to Torino. Several younger players have gone, too. Mouktar Diakhaby has departed for big money to Valencia, but teenage attacker Willem Geubbels’ giant move to Monaco is really the deal that has caught the eye. While Lyon may live to regret that, it will not have an immediate impact on their options in attack, and indeed by signing Tottenham youngster Reo Griffiths, they have rather negated that move. Lyon were already strong in attack, where they have shown a keen eye for goal, particularly through Fekir and Memphis Depay, who has thrived in France. Additionally, Mariano Diaz enjoyed a spectacular season. Martin Terrier, who has arrived from Strasbourg, has played excellently in pre-season and offers great promise. Lyon’s young midfield will be a year older and a year wiser, with Tanguy Ndombele having rejected overtures from Chelsea. It is in defence where there remain doubts over this side, but they are working to secure the services of a big-name centre-back. At present, Yerry Mina of Barcelona is the chief target, although Everton and Manchester United offer stiff competition. It is an area where Lyon are lacking, and it was that sector that let them down at key times last season.