Lyon are set to bank €33m from the sale of Botafogo winger Luiz Henrique to Zenit, according to a report from L’Équipe.
Olympique Lyonnais and the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions share the same owner in John Textor’s Eagle Football.
The injection of fresh cash is expected to stop Ernest Nuamah’s sale. The Ghana international winger was reportedly a target for David Moyes’ Everton FC.
L’Équipe adds that Lyon are yet to receive a bid for Nuamah. Lyon are expected to retain him because they won’t be able to replace him, as their transfer ban is already in effect.
The outlet reports that Russian top-flight side Zenit have struck a €33m agreement – with an additional €2m in add-ons – with Botafogo for the sale of the 24-year-old Brazil international winger. Luiz Henrique is set to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal with Zenit.
L’Équipe also reports that Lyon own Luiz Henrique’s sporting rights and are therefore eligible to receive his €33m transfer fee in full, which is convenient as Les Gones need to balance the books.
DNCG – Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion, the French football financial watchdog – handed Lyon a transfer ban and a provisional Ligue 2 relegation due to the state of their finances.