Moussa Niakhaté insists he feels no pressure from his €32 million transfer fee, maintaining a composed and focused approach as he prepares for a crucial season with Olympique Lyonnais and eyes the 2026 World Cup with Senegal.
A year on from becoming Lyon’s most expensive signing, Niakhaté has remained grounded despite the scrutiny surrounding his move from the Premier League in the summer of 2024.
His record-breaking arrival was met with raised eyebrows in some quarters, with critics questioning whether his performances justified the investment. Yet the 28-year-old centre-back has shown no signs of being weighed down by expectations.
Speaking during Lyon’s pre-season training camp in Austria, Niakhaté addressed the conversation around his fee with calm clarity.
“I came to Lyon as if I had cost €5 million or €32 million — it makes no difference to me,” he told Le Progrès. “I have no worries about that.”
Now capped 12 times by Senegal, the former Nottingham Forest defender understands that his price tag continues to influence how he is judged.
Still, he remains philosophical about the nature of modern football economics.
“This €32 million comes from the football economy,” Niakhaté continued. “I can’t criticise that. You can’t just take the benefits — we’re professionals in every sense of the word.”
Niakhaté’s debut season in Ligue 1 was a mixed one. While moments of solidity were evident in Lyon’s defence, inconsistency and team struggles saw the club fall short of expectations.
However, the defender’s personal drive has not diminished. With a full pre-season behind him and the experience of one year in the French top flight, Niakhaté is determined to elevate his performances and prove his value on the pitch.
His ambitions stretch far beyond the confines of domestic football. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Niakhaté is firmly focused on securing his place in the Senegalese national squad.
The Lions of Teranga, reigning African champions, will be aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage, and Niakhaté hopes to play a key role in that journey.
“I want to give everything for Lyon this season and continue progressing,” he said. “My goal is to be at the World Cup with Senegal. That’s what drives me every day.”
Known for his leadership qualities and physical presence at the heart of defence, Niakhaté has already shown flashes of the form that attracted Lyon to him in the first place.
With a clearer sense of his role under manager Pierre Sage, he now has the opportunity to anchor a new-look defence and lead by example.
Despite the noise surrounding his transfer, Niakhaté’s attitude remains rooted in humility and purpose. For him, the price tag is secondary to the work ahead.
As Lyon prepares for another demanding campaign, and Senegal build towards a defining World Cup, Moussa Niakhaté stands resolute — focused not on the cost of his signature, but on delivering the performances that will define his legacy.
