Villarreal Seal €30m Deal for Lyon’s Georges Mikautadze

Villarreal have pulled off a significant signing in the final days of the transfer window, securing Olympique Lyonnais’ star striker Georges Mikautadze for a €30 million fee.

The 24-year-old Georgian international, who dazzled at Euro 2024, is set to travel to Spain on Saturday for his medical on Sunday, marking a major coup for the Yellow Submarine as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League.

The transfer, finalized after a day of intense negotiations in Monaco during the European competition draw, sees Villarreal address their need for a top-tier striker following the departures of Alex Baena, Thierno Barry, and Yeremy Pino, the latter of whom joined Crystal Palace for over €30 million.

Lyon, under pressure to raise €40 million to meet DNCG and UEFA financial requirements, reluctantly agreed to part with Mikautadze, their most marketable asset after Malick Fofana rejected a move to Everton. The deal includes a 10% sell-on clause, ensuring Lyon benefits from any future transfer, with the total package potentially reaching €35 million with add-ons.

Mikautadze, who scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 49 appearances for Lyon last season, including 11 goals in 34 Ligue 1 matches, brings versatility and firepower to Villarreal’s attack. Capable of playing as a striker or on the left wing, he shone for Georgia at Euro 2024 alongside PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, making him a dynamic addition to Marcelino’s 4-4-2 system. He will compete with Ayoze Perez, Tani Oluwayesi, and the injury-prone Gerard Moreno for a starting spot, with Marcelino’s emphasis on form likely giving Mikautadze a strong chance to shine.

The move comes after a competitive race, with Aston Villa reportedly agreeing personal terms with Mikautadze and Brentford, Burnley, Everton, and Saudi Arabia’s Neom SC also in contention.

Villarreal’s Champions League participation, with matches against Manchester City and Juventus on the horizon, and a long-term contract until 2030 with a higher salary than Lyon’s offer, swayed the Georgian star. His decision to join Villarreal, despite his emotional ties to Lyon where he came through the academy, underscores the allure of the Spanish club’s project.

For Lyon, the sale is a bitter blow, especially with a crucial Olympico clash against Marseille looming on Sunday, where Mikautadze will be absent. Manager Paulo Fonseca, who had hoped to retain both Mikautadze and Fofana, now faces the challenge of finding two new strikers in the window’s final days, with Lens’ Martin Satriano a leading target.

Villarreal’s hot start to the La Liga season, with seven goals scored and none conceded in wins over Girona (5-0) and Real Oviedo (2-0), is bolstered by this signing, alongside recent additions like Tajon Buchanan, Arnau Tenas, and Renato Veiga.

The Yellow Submarine, currently leading La Liga on goal difference, now have a proven goalscorer to complement their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. As Mikautadze prepares to don Villarreal’s yellow, the stage is set for him to make an immediate impact in a squad primed for success.