Kalvin Phillips and Nico O'Reilly on Lyon radar as French side look to capitalise on positive Man City relationship after Rayan Cherki transfer

Lyon are once again turning to Manchester City in their search for reinforcements, this time targeting Phillips and O’Reilly for potential January moves. The French side already have a working relationship with City following the summer transfer of Cherki, during which an oral agreement was discussed regarding the loan of a City player. While nothing materialised at the time, Lyon remain hopeful of striking a deal in the winter window. Alongside Phillips and O’Reilly, left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand is also on their radar as the club seeks to bolster a squad weakened by multiple summer departures.

This highlights the growing reliance of Ligue 1 clubs on relationships with Europe’s financial giants to secure affordable reinforcements. For Lyon, still grappling with the after-effects of major player sales, tapping into City’s vast pool of talent could be crucial in stabilising their squad. Phillips’ situation is especially interesting hat frozen out by Pep Guardiola and desperate for playing time, a loan move to a club like Lyon could offer him a career reset.

O’Reilly, meanwhile, represents the kind of young talent City often struggle to give minutes to but could thrive abroad. Lyon’s attempt to leverage their Cherki sale into a lasting partnership with City reflects a strategic shift; creating pipelines with top clubs rather than relying solely on their famed academy production.

Lyon's general manager Michael Gerlinger admitted the summer agreement failed because of competition and player preference: “We spoke a lot with our colleagues at Manchester City. We explored many avenues. It was difficult because the talented players in the squad had better financial offers from other teams. We had to have the player's agreement. Matthieu [Louis-Jean] insisted.”

Head of recruitment Matthieu Louis-Jean explained why Lyon remain optimistic despite the setback: “We mostly talked at the beginning. This clause was oral, so it was up to the player and Manchester City. Everything wasn’t in place for it to happen, but we tried. They were quite cooperative, but we didn’t find the right profile. But it could be in January, the relationship is good.”

With Lyon in need of midfield depth and leadership, Phillips represents the marquee option. His wages and City’s demands could complicate matters, but Lyon’s positive relationship with the English champions gives them an advantage. O’Reilly would be a lower-cost, high-upside signing, while Wilson-Esbrand could address their defensive frailties. As January approaches, Lyon’s ability to capitalise on this City link could be decisive in reshaping their season and keeping them competitive in Ligue 1. Much will depend on whether City’s surplus players view Lyon as an attractive destination, and whether OL can balance finances after Cherki’s high-profile departure.