L'Équipe reports that Olympique Lyonnais has had a very busy summer. After completing a relatively stable transfer window, the team first said goodbye to key player Afonso Moreira, then brought in several new recruits, and subsequently began preparations for their Champions League campaign. Olympique Lyonnais first eliminated Sparta Prague in the qualifying round, and Paulo Fonseca's team then faced Fenerbahçe. In the first leg, Tolisso's teammates withstood the pressure from the Istanbul side, bringing back an encouraging draw from Turkey.

However, it was ultimately in the second leg at Groupama Stadium that Olympique Lyonnais' Champions League hopes were ended. The team struggled in the opening half-hour, ultimately losing the match and only qualifying for the Europa League this season. This outcome was painful sporting, but it did bring significant financial challenges. In addition to having to sell Malick Fofana due to missing out on the Champions League, Olympique Lyonnais has had to tighten its belt further, even though a Europa League spot was already factored into the budget at the start of the season.

In fact, Olympique Lyonnais continues to cut costs. The club remains under scrutiny from the DNCG, and the Rhône side has been working to restore financial balance over the past year. Sometimes, this adjustment shows up in the smallest details.

L'Équipe reported today that Olympique Lyonnais officials now prefer to take the metro when traveling to Paris for meetings. This new policy also applies to players. When Keito Nakamura joined Olympique Lyonnais this summer, he traveled from Reims by van rather than by plane, saving the club 15,000 euros. In contrast, when Malick Fofana departed for England, two planes were on standby for him.

Today, Olympique Lyonnais has more shirt sponsors, and the club's recruitment department has begun focusing on secondary markets, such as the Austrian and Portuguese leagues. Olympique Lyonnais officials can no longer compete with the salaries offered by clubs like Rennes or Paris and are attempting to rethink their strategy. This summer, the team's total wage bill was reduced from 120 million euros to 55 million euros.

To generate revenue, shuttle buses to the stadium now charge 12.50 euros per passenger for a one-way trip. Olympique Lyonnais aims to achieve financial balance by 2029, and even a return to the Champions League will not change the club's strategic direction.

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