DR Congo defender Prince Mbatshi Mukuba joins FC Zlin from Lyon

DR Congo defender Prince Mbatshi Mukuba has completed a move to Czech side FC Zlin, bringing an end to his long association with French outfit Olympique Lyonnais.

The transfer was officially confirmed on Tuesday, June 16, with the 20-year-old set to continue his development in the Czech league after spending several seasons within Lyon’s setup.

While the deal does not involve a transfer fee, Lyon have ensured they retain a financial interest in the player’s future. The French club negotiated a clause that entitles them to 25 percent of any future transfer fee should Mukuba secure another move later in his career.

The arrangement reflects Lyon’s belief in the defender’s long-term potential, despite allowing him to leave without an upfront payment. Such clauses have become increasingly common as clubs seek to benefit from the future growth and market value of young talents.

For FC Zlin, the signing represents an opportunity to acquire a promising young defender with experience from one of France’s most respected youth development systems. The Czech club will hope that regular first-team football can help Mukuba fulfil his potential and establish himself at senior level.

Mukuba now faces the challenge of adapting to a new environment and a different style of football, but the move offers him a valuable platform to gain consistent playing time and accelerate his development.

The transfer also highlights the growing presence of Congolese talent across European leagues, with Mukuba becoming the latest young player from the Central African nation to pursue opportunities beyond one of Europe’s traditional football powerhouses.

As he embarks on the next phase of his career, both FC Zlin and Lyon will be watching closely, with the French club maintaining a vested interest in the defender’s future progress through the sell-on agreement.