The start of Olympique Lyonnais’ season was marked by a glaring lack of efficiency from their No. 9, Martin Satriano, largely due to issues with positioning and desire to score. Across all competitions, the Uruguayan striker generated 4 xG in 1,263 minutes (the equivalent of 14 full matches), but converted that into only 3 goals. His contribution off the ball is undeniable — through his relentless pressing and South American grinta in duels — but on the ball, his technical, tactical, and physical limitations are too significant.
The Lyon squad also includes two young centre-forwards who are talented on paper, Enzo Molebe and Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez. However, Paulo Fonseca has chosen not to give them playing time at the start of the season. Is that a coaching decision, or are the youngsters simply not yet at the required level ?
I don’t have the answer to that question, but a response came from the recruitment department, who worked to secure the arrival of Endrick, the 19-year-old Brazilian star, on loan until the end of the season from Real Madrid, who had signed him for €50M.
On the eve of the 2026–2027 season, the club will therefore find itself without a confirmed centre-forward, as both South American loanees will have returned to their parent clubs.
I recommend recruiting two strikers with different profiles, similar to what LOSC Lille have done by alternating the No. 9 role between Olivier Giroud and Hamza Igamane. Ideally, the club should target one “Giroud-type” profile (a target man, dominant in the air) and one “Lacazette-type” profile (technically refined, contributing heavily to link-up play).