Lyon’s wage discipline in 2026 shows post-Textor reset | OneFootball

DNCG-imposed austerity has triggered a drastic reset at Lyon, with salaries above 200,000 euros no longer standard. The current fourth-placed side now have a clearer hierarchy, led by captain Corentin Tolisso, vice-captain Moussa Niakhaté and new star Endrick.

According to L'Équipe, in 2024 reserve defender Dejan Lovren was among Lyon’s top earners on 400,000 euros a month, and by 2025 Alexandre Lacazette, Nemanja Matic and Jordan Veretout were still in the top five on 500,000, 400,000 and 300,000 despite reduced influence.

Last summer the wage bill was about 160 million euros, slightly down on 2024’s 170 million. It has since been reduced by roughly 50% for the professional squad. Summer arrivals Afonso Moreira, Ruben Kluivert, Dominik Greif and Pavel Sulc are on around 100,000 euros a month, often below.

To cut costs quickly, Lyon also reduced headcount to 28 including academy graduates, the Textor era often exceeded 30. Beyond letting expiring deals lapse and selling Rayan Cherki to Manchester City for 42.5 million euros with bonuses, they swiftly moved out Veretout and Adryelson to comply with DNCG limits.

The wage bill now sits well below 70% of revenue, UEFA’s guideline. That does not yet make Lyon a model student, but the DNCG lifted transfer restrictions in winter. Further scope could open, especially if they qualify for the next Champions League, and probable summer exits of Textor-era high earners such as Ernest Nuamah and Orel Mangala could help fund a return.

Source: L'Équipe