Abner Vinicius Signs Five-Year Contract with Lyon

Brazilian defender Abner Vinicius has signed a five-year deal with Lyon, the French league champions. The transfer, valued at 8 million euros with a 20% resale clause, sees Abner replacing Henrique. After a successful stint at Betis and winning an Olympic gold, Abner joins Lyon's rich Brazilian player tradition.

Brazilian defender Abner Vinicius has inked a five-year contract with Lyon, the seven-time French league champion announced on Friday.

Lyon disclosed that the transfer is valued at 8 million euros (USD 8.7 million), accompanied by a 20% resale clause.

The 24-year-old left-back from Betis was acquired as a successor to Henrique, following his three-year tenure at the club. Lyon maintains a longstanding tradition of recruiting Brazilian talent, and Abner now becomes the 27th Brazilian to join their ranks. His career began at Brazil's Ponte Preta before moving to Athletico Paranense in 2019. Notably, he won a gold medal with Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics and transferred to Spanish club Betis in January 2023.

Lyon harbors high ambitions for this season, having concluded the previous one on an upward trajectory under coach Pierre Sage. Sage, whose contract was extended for two more seasons this week, initially took over in November last year when the club was struggling. Despite ranking last in December with a mere seven points, Lyon rebounded to finish sixth and secure a spot in the Europa League.

(Disclaimer: With inputs from agencies.)