Olympique Lyonnais have agreed terms with 17-year-old midfielder Cluver Sambi Mbungu, who will sign his first professional contract with the club, according to L’Équipe. The deal will see Mbungu join Lyon until 2029, pending a medical examination expected to take place this week.
Mbungu arrives from Stade Malherbe, where he impressed with the reserve team in National 3 last season, making 19 appearances and scoring three goals. Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mbungu moved to France at the age of two and was identified by Caen at SPN Vernon.
The midfielder’s progress attracted significant attention from several clubs, both domestically and across Europe. Paris Saint-Germain reportedly made a strong push to sign Mbungu, attempting to convince him to join the capital club until the last moment. However, the player ultimately favoured the project offered by Lyon.
Interest also came from Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, indicating the high regard in which Mbungu is held within European football. Lyon have been active in the transfer market this summer, already securing the signings of Boudache, Bidstrup, Duranville, and Ouédraogo, all of whom featured in a recent friendly match against Mâcon.
The acquisition of Mbungu represents a further investment in Lyon’s youth development strategy, bolstering their midfield options with a promising young talent. This move could provide Lyon with a long-term solution in midfield and potentially increase the club’s transfer value in the future.
