The 20-year-old Portuguese under-20 international midfielder, blocked by heavy competition in the Lyon squad, missed training on Thursday as negotiations finalized for a reported transfer fee of one million euros.
Departure From Lyon Amid Midfield Competition
Mathys De Carvalho’s exit comes as Olympique Lyonnais manages a bloated squad under manager Paulo Fonseca. The young midfielder signed his first professional contract with his formative club last summer. During his time with the senior team, De Carvalho made 12 appearances in Ligue 1 and eight appearances in the UEFA Europa League. He most recently featured for the reserve squad in a match against Bourgoin on Saturday. With limited prospects for regular minutes in the central midfield due to fierce competition, the academy product opted for a move to the Middle East.
Financial and Roster Context at OL
While the departure trims the size of the club’s extensive roster, reports indicate that the sale will not single-handedly resolve Lyon’s ongoing financial pressures regarding liquid cash flow and overall wage bill reduction. Nevertheless, offloading a squad member helps streamline the group as the club navigates its sporting and economic strategy.
New Chapter in Saudi Arabia With Familiar Faces
At Al-Diriyah, De Carvalho joins an ambitious project in the Saudi lower or competitive tiers that features several players with extensive experience in French professional football. Upon arrival, the midfielder will share a locker room with notable former Ligue 1 figures including Chancel Mbemba, Idrissa Gueye, Enzo Millot, and Gaëtan Laborde. The official paperwork and final announcements regarding his three-year deal are expected in the coming hours.
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