Fofana is even closer to being sold, and he won’t be alone: ​​Lyon’s Champions League crash is going to be costly.

The financial director of Olympique Lyonnais club is under immense pressure. Even if they qualify for the Champions League group stage competition, which would guarantee a participation bonus of at least €23 million, he knew the roadmap: sell players for around €25 million to comply with the financial recovery plan approved by the DNCG (French football’s financial watchdog) and to respect Financial Fair Play regulations. Returning to the Champions League competitions after six years also guaranteed revenue (ticket sales, marketing) far exceeding what the Europa League can offer, and the prospect of a strong team squad in every position, only needing one last major sale before the transfer window will closes in less than a week now.