Olympique Lyonnais have confirmed that Adam Karabec will return to Sparta Prague at the end of his loan spell, opting not to trigger the €3.5 million purchase option with a potential €800,000 in add-ons. The news follows reports from L'Équipe in April indicating the club’s decision, and was announced by the player himself on Tuesday via Instagram. Karabec thanked the club and its supporters in his post.
The 22-year-old Czech international joined Lyon on a season-long loan from Sparta Prague last summer for a fee of €300,000. He initially made a positive impression, establishing himself in the starting lineup from August to November under manager Paulo Fonseca. However, his playing time diminished significantly in the latter half of the season.
Karabec scored one goal in 21 Ligue 1 appearances, finding the net against Metz on August 23rd. Overall, he registered 3 goals and 3 assists in 34 games across all competitions for Lyon. Despite five international appearances for the Czech Republic, where he has scored twice, he was not included in their squad for the recent World Cup.
Lyon are expected to undergo significant changes in the summer transfer window as they look to rebuild following a disappointing season. The decision not to pursue a permanent deal for Karabec suggests the club are seeking different options to bolster their attacking options. Karabec’s return to Sparta Prague provides him with an opportunity to regain regular playing time and continue his development in a familiar environment.
