Lyon's sporting director, Matthieu Louis-Jean, has revealed the truth about last summer's negotiations with France's Karim Benzema over a move for the former Al-Hilal star.
Benzema hasn't given up hope of a return to his roots. The idea of pulling on the Olympique Lyonnais shirt still appeals to the French striker, even at 38 and without a club since his contract with Al-Hilal was torn up.
Karim Djaziri, Benzema's former agent, says a return to Lyon has long been the French star's wish, though his commitment to Saudi Arabia scuppered any chance of it happening last summer.
Louis-Jean, though, insists a return was never on the cards, whatever the rumours suggested.
He said, according to " tribuna": "Benzema? Was it close? No, it was not close to happening."
He concluded: "Of course, like you, I heard what was said on social media. I know there is an issue related to the termination of his contract in Saudi Arabia, but no, it was just noise more than reality. I do not think it was possible in any case."
At 38, the French striker is now a free agent after Al-Hilal terminated his contract at the end of August. A return to Europe looks unlikely, though, with his promotional deal with the Saudi league running until 2030.