Algerian striker Daryl Benlahlou joins Montpellier on loan from Lyon

Algerian U23 international Daryl Benlahlou has completed a loan move from Olympique Lyonnais to Montpellier, where he will spend next season gaining valuable first-team experience in Ligue 2.

The 20-year-old forward, who came through Lyon’s youth system, has joined Montpellier as part of his continued development after an impressive campaign with the club’s reserve side.

Benlahlou made significant progress during the 2024/25 season, establishing himself as one of Lyon’s promising young attackers.

After scoring 10 goals for the club’s U19 team, he stepped up to the National 2 side and matched that tally with another 10 goals, underlining his attacking ability and consistency.

The striker’s performances earned him recognition at international level, with Algeria’s U23 national team coach Rafik Saïfi calling him up in March for a friendly encounter against DR Congo.

Having developed through Lyon’s academy, Benlahlou is now set to continue his football education away from the Groupama Stadium.

The move to Montpellier is viewed as an opportunity for the young forward to gain regular competitive minutes and experience at a higher level.

The Ligue 2 side will provide Benlahlou with the chance to test himself in senior football while continuing his progression as he looks to establish himself as a future option for both club and country.

For Lyon, the loan arrangement allows one of their academy products to continue his development through regular playing time rather than remaining limited to reserve-team football.

Benlahlou’s next challenge will be adapting to the demands of professional football with Montpellier as he aims to build on his promising performances and take another step forward in his career.

The Algerian prospect will now focus on making an impact with his new club and proving that he can become a reliable attacking option at senior level.