Mohamed Yattara’s Lyon Future Uncertain Amid Transfer Speculation
Mohamed Yattara, the 20-year-old Guinean striker who has been on Lyon’s books since 2009, finds himself at a crossroads in his career after several years of loan spells and uncertainty about his place at the club.
Having spent last season on loan at Angers, Yattara impressed with 11 goals in 30 matches, helping the Ligue 2 side narrowly miss promotion to Ligue 1 and reach the semi-finals of the Coupe de France. His performances have attracted interest from a range of clubs, including Granada and Rennes, putting pressure on Lyon’s management as they look to balance their books ahead of the financial year deadline this Monday.
Despite persistent rumours about his imminent departure, Yattara appears determined to fight for his place at Lyon under new coach Hubert Fournier. The departure of former coach Rémi Garde, who reportedly never fully trusted the young striker, alongside the sales of key forwards Bafétimbi Gomis and Jimmy Briand, have opened a potential pathway for Yattara to finally establish himself at the club.
In a recent interview with Foot224, Yattara revealed his initial reluctance to return to Lyon due to a perceived lack of confidence from the previous coaching staff. However, he now feels more optimistic after a positive meeting with Fournier, who has expressed faith in him. “He told me that he was counting on me a lot, and that made me happy,” Yattara said.
Speculation around Yattara’s future intensified when he missed Lyon’s return to training on Friday, fuelling reports of a possible transfer. Yet, he put those rumours to rest on Sunday by arriving for the training camp in Tignes alongside club director Florian Maurice.
Yattara’s case encapsulates the delicate balance for young players navigating career growth amid club financial constraints and managerial changes. With the transfer window closing soon, Lyon’s decision on whether to keep or sell the promising striker could shape both the club’s attacking options and Yattara’s own development trajectory.
