Following the imminent announcement of Duje Caleta-Car’s loan transfer to Real Sociedad, another Olympique Lyonnais player, Paul Akouokou, is about to head to Spain as well, with the Real Zaragoza club in the second division pushing to finalize a low-cost loan agreement. This transfer frenzy highlights Lyon’s ongoing summer squad trimming.
Summer is shaping up to be busy at Olympique Lyonnais, which continues its large-scale squad reduction and wage bill optimization. After the imminent loan transfer of Duje Caleta-Car to Real Sociedad, Paul Akouokou is the next player likely to embark on a new chapter in Spain.
Caleta-Car to Real Sociedad: Loan with a purchase option
The 28-year-old Croatian defender is close to joining Real Sociedad on a one-year loan with a buy option set between €3 million and €4 million. This move offers Lyon an economical opportunity while giving the player a chance to revive his career in a tactically demanding league. Despite an inconsistent spell at Lyon, Caleta-Car’s profile and experience have attracted the Basque club, where he is expected to strengthen an already solid defense[1][4].
Paul Akouokou heading to Real Zaragoza
Continuing this trimming process, midfielder Paul Akouokou is also set to leave for Spain, but at a lower tier. Struggling for playing time at Lyon, he is close to a loan deal with Real Zaragoza, a historic club in Spain’s second division. Negotiations are progressing well for a paid loan estimated under €500,000, allowing Lyon to reduce its wage bill and giving Akouokou a chance to reestablish himself competitively[2][3].
A pivotal summer for Lyon
These moves align with Lyon’s clear strategy to reorganize their squad by cutting costs and optimizing resources ahead of a competitive Ligue 1 campaign. With imminent arrivals and multiple departures of struggling players, the club aims to revitalize both its sporting and financial projects.
As official announcements await, Lyon’s summer is marked by a clear intent to rationalize the squad, with loan or permanent moves to Spain multiplying, bringing a fresh influx of French and international talent to La Liga and La Liga SmartBank.
