Olympique Lyonnais has refused a substantial €21 million offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray for forward Georges Mikautadze, according to a report by Téléfoot journalist Saber Desfarges. This figure included bonuses but fell short of convincing Lyon to part with the Georgian international. Mikautadze, 24, returned to Lyon ahead of the 2024/25 season after a standout spell with FC Metz, where he earned a transfer worth €18.5 million.
Although Mikautadze initially struggled to find his rhythm this season, he has since made his mark by contributing seven goals and an assist in limited playing time. His ability to capitalize on opportunities has reaffirmed his potential as a key player for Lyon.
Financial Troubles and Strategic Decisions
Lyon’s precarious financial situation has placed the club in a difficult position. The DNCG, France’s financial watchdog for football, has issued a provisional relegation for the team due to budgetary concerns. This has led to widespread speculation that the club might offload several players to stabilize its finances.
Despite these challenges, Lyon remains determined to hold onto Mikautadze. Club officials reportedly see him as the natural successor to Alexandre Lacazette, the 33-year-old captain and fan favorite, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season. With Lacazette’s departure on the horizon, Mikautadze is viewed as a cornerstone of Lyon’s future.
Mounting Interest from European Clubs
Galatasaray is not the only club eyeing Mikautadze. English Premier League side Everton and German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen are also reportedly tracking the forward. Their interest reflects the growing recognition of his talent on the European stage.
However, Lyon’s stance remains firm: it would take an extraordinary offer for them to consider letting go of Mikautadze. The club is keen to avoid a short-term financial fix at the expense of its long-term sporting goals.
