Lyon, one of France’s most prestigious clubs, have been relegated to Ligue 2 over financial difficulties.
The seven-time champions, who have faced Celtic numerous times in continental campaigns, finished sixth in Ligue 1 but have been relegated after failing to convince French authorities that they have been able to find the funds.
A statement from the club confirmed that Lyon would be appealing the “incomprehensible decision”.
As it stands, nobody knows what will happen to Lyon’s Europa League place but their squad may witness another fire sale after first team players like Rayan Cherki have been sold for cut-price fees.
So, with that in mind, here are five players at Lyon that Brendan Rodgers could offer an escape route to.
Moussa Niakhate
Celtic could be eyeing up a new centre-back and one that partners Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Maik Nawrocki could be returning to Poland and both Liam Scales and Auston Trusty are not reliable.
Moussa Niakhate is a left-footed centre-back who joined from Nottingham Forest at the start of the 2024/25 season, making 42 appearances in all competitions.
Being left-footed suits Rodgers’ style well as he likes both of his centre-backs to play on the side of their favoured foot.
Aged 29, Niakhate has bags of experience and would be a real upgrade on the options currently at Parkhead.
Aber
Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic looks like it’s going to spell the end for Greg Taylor’s career in Glasgow.
Taylor has been linked with Copenhagen and PAOK but any chances of a new contract have gone silent as 30 June creeps up closely.
Celtic have been told to sign Jeffrey Schlupp permanently but Aber may be a better option.
He played second fiddle to Nicolas Tagliafico in France last season and as a 25-year-old, could play a similar role to the way that Alex Valle did during his loan spell last season.
Back-up left-backs will be hard to find as they know that Tierney will be first choice but Aber may be a solid option.
Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez
Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez is one of the most exciting prospects in world football. Born in Venezuela but raised in England, he left Southampton to join Lyon and made his senior debut for the French side.
The Hoops are in for several strikers with Benjamin Nygren set to join Celtic and then Callum Osmand is set to follow through the doorsteps too, which will give Rodgers plenty of options up top.
However, when the chance to sign Rodriguez comes up, it’s hard not to ignore and the 17-year-old may see it as a chance to catch the eyes of a club in England further down the line if he impresses in Glasgow.
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