Tyrell Malacia still hasn’t signed for us and the transfer is over, admits Vincent Ponsot

Olympique Lyon aimed to spearhead a summer overhaul in order to reinforce their options across the pitch after ending the 2021-22 Ligue 1 campaign in disappointing fashion as they finished eighth in the standings. The French club added goalkeeper Remy Riou, midfielder Corentin Tolisso and former striker Alexandre Lacazette to their ranks with their next priority being the completion of the signing of Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia.

Lyon submitted an offer worth €15 million deal including add-ons to the Dutch club in their efforts to sign the defender with Feyenoord accepting the bid. The deal looked set to be done only for Manchester United to submit a last-minute offer worth €17 million which was also accepted by Feyenoord. 

United manager Erik ten Hag had scouted the defender from his days at Ajax and was keen to bring the defender to Old Trafford. Malacia also reciprocated the same way as he snubbed a move to Lyon in favour of signing a deal with United. The transfer is set to be finalized and completed in the coming days and Lyon general director Vincent Ponsot has admitted that the Ligue 1 side have accepted defeat in their pursuit of the defender.

 “I’m going to be very clear: the institution is always stronger than any player. Sometimes there are demands – that’s how it is in the world of football – that can’t be made. It’s true that it can sometimes collapse deals, but we want a left-back and we’ll find a good left-back. I can’t say everything. It should have been signed on Tuesday – it’s still not been completed,” Ponsot told reporters in a press conference.

“He still hasn’t signed, but for us it’s over. Because the club’s integrity is more important. We’re proud to be working for a club like this,” he added.