Olympique Lyonnais have rejected a €5m offer from Galatasaray for defender Clinton Mata, according to L’Équipe.
The Turkish club, eager to reinforce their squad before their transfer window closes next Tuesday, identified Mata as a key target.
The Angolan international has been a mainstay in Lyon’s defense this season, making him indispensable to the team. Despite Galatasaray’s attempt to lure him away, Lyon made it clear that they cannot afford to lose a crucial player without securing a replacement. With France’s transfer window shut and Ligue 1 clubs unable to register free agents before the season ends, Les Gones are unwilling to take any risks.
Mata, capable of operating both as a full-back and center-back, remains under contract at Groupama Stadium until the end of next season. His importance to Lyon’s setup ensures that any potential departure will have to wait.
Mata signed for Ligue 1 club Lyon on a three-year contract on 6 July 2023. The transfer fee was a reported €5 million.
