Lyon turn to Carlos Vicens as Fonseca prepares Sporting exit

Olympique Lyonnais must replace Paulo Fonseca after the Portuguese manager broke down in tears during Sunday’s win over SCO Angers and told his squad on Monday that he would leave. Talks involving Fonseca, Lyon and Sporting CP are described as advanced, with the coach set to join the Portuguese club.

Vicens poised as Lyon's new manager

According to L’Équipe, Carlos Vicens is the likely successor at Lyon. The proposed arrangement is expected to cost around €5m for Olympique Lyonnais and would also free the club from the Portuguese manager’s considerable salary. Thiago Motta was offered as a replacement, while Pierre Sage has also been linked with the hot seat at the Groupama Stadium. Reappointing the Crystal Palace manager was described as impossible.

Instead, Vicens is set to take over at Olympique Lyonnais after several days of talks with the club. No agreement will be finalised before the international break. Vicens has been unemployed since SC Braga dismissed him in late October. Before moving to the Portuguese side in July 2025, he served as an assistant at Manchester City.