Bradley Barcola commits to remaining at Lyon this summer

Speaking to L’Équipe, Bradley Barcola (20), currently on international duty with the France U21s, has committed to remaining at formative club Olympique Lyonnais next season. 

Barcola burst onto the scene in the second half of the season. The French forward only made his first start of the season on 29th January but finished the season with an impressive five goals and nine assists. Whilst Lyon’s collective objectives weren’t met, as Les Gones once again missed out on European football, Barcola was a bright spark, and once again highlighted the work of the club’s prestigious academy. 

Those performances saw him selected to represent France at the Euro U21 championships this summer, and Barcola got a goal in the opening game of the tournament against Italy. According to RMC Sport, Lyon’s majority shareholder John Textor is needing to raise considerable funds to pass a hearing with French football’s financial watchdog – the DNCG. As a result, Barcola has reportedly been earmarked as a potentially valuable asset in the market, and should a satisfactory offer arrive for the forward, Lyon would consider a sale. 

However, speaking to L’Équipe, Barcola has committed to remaining at Lyon next season. “I need a season to confirm [my progress]. You mustn’t forget that I’ve only had six months. I feel good at OL. I hope I’ll continue to receive the coach’s confidence. I don’t know how the transfer window will go, but I don’t see why I would leave. I need to have a good full season, where I’m a starter from the off,” he said. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle