Emerging talent Lily Yohannes, an 18-year-old midfielder for the U.S. women`s national team, is reportedly nearing completion of a transfer from Ajax to OL Lyon, representing a significant career advancement at the club level.
According to ESPN, Lyon has reached an agreement with Ajax for the transfer fee. Yohannes is anticipated to finalize her personal contract details with the French side soon. Chelsea was also previously interested in signing the midfielder.
Yohannes is considered one of the most promising young prospects for the USWNT, having shown consistent progress since her breakthrough season at Ajax in 2023-24. Born in Virginia as a U.S. citizen, she relocated to the Netherlands with her family when she was 10. Her entire club career has been based there, starting with joining the Ajax academy at 13. She signed her initial professional contract at 15, valid until June 2026, and later made history in November 2023 by becoming the youngest player to start a UEFA Women`s Champions League game at 16.
The 18-year-old has accumulated significant experience, including 11 appearances in the UWCL over two seasons and eight caps for the USWNT. She debuted for the national team last June and confirmed her decision to play for the U.S. in November, selecting them over the Netherlands, despite initiating the citizenship process for the latter, for which she was not yet eligible to play.
What Lyon Move Means for Yohannes`s Development
This transfer appears well-timed for everyone involved: OL Lyon, supported by Michele Kang, demonstrates its financial power; Ajax receives a transfer fee as Yohannes`s contract nears its end; and Yohannes secures a place at Europe`s premier club. The timing, two years ahead of the next Women`s World Cup, also provides the 18-year-old ample opportunity to adapt to this challenging new setting.
Lyon is an excellent destination for a promising player like Yohannes, who, while certainly a talent to watch, is still young and developing. While the French league (officially D1 Arkema, often dominated by Lyon with nearly every title since 2006-07) represents a significant upgrade for Yohannes from the Dutch Eredivisie. The nature of the French top division could allow for a patient approach to her development, if necessary, and offers the chance to integrate with USWNT captain and Lyon midfielder Lindsey Horan.
Crucially, a move to Lyon is typically driven by the prospect of playing in the Champions League. As record eight-time winners, Lyon will compete in the tournament next season, unlike Ajax. This provides Yohannes with a prime opportunity to challenge herself against elite global talent, which is vital for a young player`s progress.
While Lyon always aims for success in competitions, the project overseen by Michele Kang since she became the majority owner in 2024 is particularly ambitious. The club has made significant signings and assembled a formidable squad featuring players like goalscorers Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, and Tabitha Chawinga, alongside midfielder Melchie Dumornay. The clear objective is to reclaim the Champions League title, which Lyon last won in the 2021-22 season. This means Yohannes will face considerable pressure vying for a spot in such a competitive team.
Nevertheless, Lyon`s effort to sign her confirms Yohannes`s status as one of football`s most exciting young talents, positioning her strongly to continue her promising career path.
