VfL Wolfsburg is reportedly nearing a significant €9 million agreement with Olympique Lyon for the transfer of promising 20-year-old right-back Saël Kumbedi. This potential move, initially brought to light by Foot Mercato, marks a notable step for the young defender who joined Les Gones three years ago from Le Havre in a relatively modest €1 million deal.
Kumbedi`s impressive profile and his experience at such an early stage of his career have garnered considerable attention across Europe. Several clubs have been monitoring his progress, including French outfits Lille OSC and Nice. Lille even saw a €5 million bid for the player rejected by Lyon, highlighting the interest in the young talent.
However, Wolfsburg`s offer, structured as an initial €7 million transfer fee complemented by an additional €2 million in performance-related bonuses, is understood to be very close to Lyon`s valuation of the player. Kumbedi, a U17 European champion with France in 2022, was an unused substitute in Lyon`s recent 3-0 home victory against Metz, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles occupying the right-back position.