Ex-Man Utd & Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic completes Serie A return after Lyon departure

Sassuolo have announced the signing of Matic on a free transfer, with the midfielder agreeing a contract until June 2026 which will renew for another year if he meets certain criteria.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea player returns to Serie A after his initial spell with Roma under Jose Mourinho, where he reached a Europa League final and secured a top-six finish. The two-time Premier League winner later joined Lyon, becoming an important part of Paulo Fonseca’s midfield, before mutually terminating his contract after just one season.

As well as Matic's arrival, winger Domenico Berardi has signed a long-term extension until 2029 at Sassuolo, potentially keeping him at the Mapei Stadium until age 35. A club icon, his renewal is a major boost for fans and strengthens hopes of maintaining Sassuolo’s Serie A status.

After a losing start to Serie A with a 2-0 loss to champions Napoli, Sassuolo will hope that the signing of Matic will boost their hopes of staying in the top flight.