Paulo Fonseca says Lyon must sell two or three players

Lyon’s squad could change significantly before the summer transfer window closes, with coach Paulo Fonseca acknowledging that the club’s finances now require departures. The need became more pressing after Lyon failed to qualify for the Champions League against Fenerbahce, a competition Fonseca said had been important to keeping the squad together.

Lyon were held 1-1 by Le Havre at the Groupama Stadium, and Fonseca later confirmed that the club needs to sell two or three players. He also stressed that work is under way to replace any members of the squad who leave, making the final days of the window important for both departures and recruitment.

Malick Fofana is among the players attracting interest, while Pavel Sulc and Ruben Kluivert are also considered valuable assets. Lyon sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean had already indicated that the club would need to adjust its situation before the deadline, without confirming Fofana’s future.

Le Havre sit 14th in Ligue 1 with no points from one match and have scored none while conceding one. Their recent five-match sequence is two wins, two defeats and a draw, including a 1-1 result at Lille. They next face Brest on September 5.