Georges Mikautadze leaves Lyon teammates in tears ahead of Villarreal move | OneFootball

Georges Mikautadze’s time at Lyon has come to an abrupt and emotional end. The 24-year-old striker, who rejoined his boyhood club last summer after impressing with Metz, bid farewell to his OL teammates in tears on Saturday before finalising a move to Spain – according to a report from Foot Mercato.

Initially deemed untransferable at the start of the window, Mikautadze’s situation shifted dramatically in recent days. Lyon, struggling to secure departures elsewhere in the squad — notably Malick Fofana — were forced to reconsider their stance when Villarreal tabled a €35m offer. The deal has already been agreed, and the Georgia international will travel to Spain for his medical and contract signing.

Mikautadze’s Lyon story has a bittersweet edge. Released from OL’s academy at 15 before rebuilding his career at Metz, the forward returned to the club last year in what was meant to be a homecoming. Instead, his spell has been marked by frustration and missed opportunities, finally culminating in this unexpected departure.GFFN | George Boxall