Olympique Lyonnais is reportedly on the verge of finalizing the acquisition of 24-year-old Ruben Kluivert from Portuguese club Casa Pia. The transfer fee is estimated to be just over €3 million. The Dutch central defender is expected to sign a five-year contract valid until June 2030, binding him to the club until the summer of 2030.
A New Chapter for the Kluivert Family
Kluivert, son of Dutch football legend Patrick Kluivert and brother of Justin, will become the third family member to play in French football. Ruben, a tall (1.87m) and fast central defender, has been a standout performer in Casa Pia`s defense since his arrival from Utrecht in 2023. His current contract in Portugal was initially set to expire in 2027, making this a significant early transfer.
Navigating the Transfer Market Amidst Austerity
Lyon recently secured their spot in Ligue 1 after a successful appeal to the DNCG, the French football financial watchdog. However, the club must navigate a challenging transfer window due to internal austerity measures. The club utilized head coach Paulo Fonseca`s connections to facilitate this move, notably through veteran Portuguese defender José Fonte, who played alongside Kluivert last season, lending credibility to the young defender`s potential.
This deal would make Kluivert Olympique`s second summer signing, following the arrival of young winger Afonso Moreira from Sporting CP. Moreira has reportedly already begun training with the squad, pending the official confirmation of his transfer, indicating a swift integration into the team.
Midfield Reinforcements: Pierre Lees-Melou
Meanwhile, Lyon continues negotiations with Brest concerning the potential signing of 32-year-old Pierre Lees-Melou. The experienced midfielder has already agreed to personal terms with Olympique and is considered a priority target for Fonseca to strengthen the midfield. The former Nice and Norwich player is expected to cost approximately €5 million.
His transfer might hinge on the confirmed departure of Jordan Veretout to Qatar`s Al-Arabi, which would free up significant wage space and generate a symbolic €1 million fee for Lyon, crucial for balancing their books under the current financial constraints.
