Fake transfers and huge debt, who will pay John Textor's OL bill? | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais’ future remains clouded by the financial hangover of the John Textor era, even as Paulo Fonseca leads the team. Textor, president from May 2023 to June 2025, was sidelined last June, then forced out at the start of this year by Eagle’s creditors.

Bloomberg reports that last week OL was hit by a complaint from MC Credit Partners over the Igor Jesus case, seeking 42 million dollars, 37 million plus 5 million in penalties, with interest estimated at 10% per month.

In December it emerged that OL had spent 120 million euros between July 2024 and March 2025 to acquire five Botafogo players, yet four, Igor Jesus, Luiz Henrique, Jair Cunha and Jefferson Savarino, never arrived.

Textor had relied on factoring firms that advance cash against future transfer receipts in return for repayment and sizeable fees. These unresolved transfers continue to weigh on the club.

The club declined to comment regarding a player sold by Botafogo to Nottingham Forest last July for 19 million euros. OL’s debt has increased by 255 million euros in three years under Textor. If the courts were to add to the bill as they seek the missing money, the club’s future could be jeopardised, regardless of where it finishes this season.

Source: L'Équipe