Thiago Motta’s camp has sounded out Olympique Lyonnais about taking over as head coach, Get French Football News reports, citing L’Équipe. The Italian has been without a job since Juventus dismissed him in the spring of 2025.

The approach came as Paulo Fonseca’s own future tipped toward the exit. The Lyon head coach is in advanced talks with Sporting CP and is set to succeed Rui Borges in Lisbon, according to Foot Mercato. Fonseca’s contract at Lyon runs until 2027, but his departure is now being treated as a question of exit terms rather than of principle.

Nothing is formally agreed between Motta and Lyon. Get French Football News describes the Italian as a potential target if Fonseca leaves, with no advanced negotiations currently under way. His entourage made the inquiry, not Lyon.

A free coach since March 2025

Motta has not managed since Juventus terminated his contract after a run of heavy Serie A defeats and a Champions League exit, France 24 reported at the time. Igor Tudor replaced him on 23 March 2025.

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His standing in European football rests largely on the season before Juventus. At Bologna, Motta led the club to Champions League qualification in 2023-24.

Other names on Lyon’s list

Motta is not alone on the shortlist. Carlos Vicens is reportedly in advanced talks about taking the Lyon job, per Get French Football News citing A Bola, and sits as the most concrete option at this stage. Pierre Sage, the former Lyon coach now at Crystal Palace, has not been contacted by the club despite public calls from supporters for his return.

Per Get French Football News, no deal is yet in place on either side, Fonseca’s exit terms with Lyon still need resolving, and Lyon have not opened formal negotiations with any successor.

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