Olympique Lyonnais announced this Monday, February 2, 2026, the arrival of Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk on loan from Olympiakos until June 30, 2026. The agreement includes payment of 1.5 million euros for the loan and a non-obligatory purchase option set at 5 million euros. The signing reinforces the French club’s offensive sector for the remainder of the Ligue 1 and European competitions.
The 30-year-old landed at Lyon after advanced negotiations in recent days and has already expressed enthusiasm about the transfer. Yaremchuk highlighted the opportunity to work again with coach Paulo Fonseca and to meet full-back Clinton Mata, a former teammate at Club Brugge. The announcement took place hours after OL’s 1-0 victory over Lille at Groupama Stadium.
The Olympique Lyonnais board was looking for an experienced center forward to fill the attacking gaps during the winter window. The choice of Yaremchuk meets the profile desired by the Portuguese coach, who has known the athlete since his time at Shakhtar Donetsk between 2016 and 2019.
Transfer agreement details
Roman Yaremchuk’s loan involves a fixed amount of €1.5 million paid to Olympiakos immediately. Caso the Ukrainian’s performance convinces the technical committee, OL will be able to exercise the purchase option for 5 million euros at the end of the temporary contract. Essa structure allows the French club to evaluate the player without a definitive commitment.
The transaction was completed quickly after the attacker arrived at França to undergo medical examinations. Fontes close to negotiation indicate that the agreement satisfies both parties, especially Olympiakos, which covers part of the player’s contractual amortization. Yaremchuk was linked to the Greek club until June 2028.
Consolidated trajectory of Roman Yaremchuk
Roman Sua height of 1.91 m and finishing ability made him a reference in attack.
In 2021, he transferred to Benfica, where he played for one season before being loaned to Club Brugge. At the Belgian club, he won the national title and maintained good offensive performance. Passagens later by Valencia and Olympiakos added experience in competitive leagues.
- Main career clubs:
- Gent (Belgium): 152 games, 61 goals
- Benfica (Portugal): 43 games, 8 goals
- Club Brugge (Belgium): 37 games, 13 goals
- Valencia (Spain): loan period with regular performances
- Olympiakos (Greece): contract since 2024
For the Ukrainian national team, he has been called up 65 times and scored 17 goals. The striker is currently participating in the qualifiers for the Copa of the Mundo, with decisive games scheduled for March 2026.
Reasons for choosing Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais faced an urgent need to reinforce the attack after injuries and irregular performance from some starters. Paulo Fonseca, the club’s coach since 2024, directly indicated Yaremchuk’s profile as he had already worked with him at Shakhtar Donetsk. Essa familiarity facilitates tactical adaptation to the French scheme.
The recent victory over Lille demonstrated collective strength, but also exposed a lack of options in the offensive sector. The Ukrainian’s arrival increases internal competition and offers a physical alternative to direct duels. Diretores highlighted the player’s international experience as a decisive factor.
First statements from the new reinforcement
Roman Yaremchuk expressed satisfaction at being officially introduced by Olympique Lyonnais. “I’m very happy to be here and to meet Clinton Mata, who I played with in Brugge. Ele also praised the atmosphere of Groupama Stadium after watching the match against Lille.
The player showed anxiety about making his debut in front of the French fans. The integration into the squad occurs at an important moment of the season, with OL seeking higher positions in the Ligue 1. Yaremchuk arrives motivated to contribute with goals and assists.
Context on Olympiakos and temporary output
In Olympiakos since July 2024, Roman Yaremchuk has played regular matches in the Greek league and continental competitions. Apesar of good technical level, the club accepted the loan to settle accounts and allow the athlete to play. The operation covers a significant part of the contractual amortization.
The Greek board maintained a long contract with the Ukrainian, preserving future rights. Caso the purchase option is not exercised, Yaremchuk returns to Olympiakos in July 2026. The negotiation reflects a common strategy in current European football.
Expectations for the season sequel
Olympique Lyonnais gains depth in the squad with the arrival of Roman Yaremchuk exactly in the final stretch of the transfer window. The striker should be listed for the next commitments of the Ligue 1 and national cups. Sua’s physical presence benefits the style of play proposed by Paulo Fonseca.
The fans received the news positively, especially due to the international experience of the reinforcement. The French club occupies intermediate positions in the table and is looking for a consistent recovery. Rapid integration of Yaremchuk can be key to larger goals.
Technical profile and expected contribution
Roman Yaremchuk stands out for his physical imposition and ability to hold the ball with his back to the goal. Sua height favors aerial plays and pivots for midfield teammates. The Ukrainian also has good positioning inside the box and precise finishing.
At Olympique Lyonnais, he must compete for a place in the attack alongside established names. Sua experience in high-level leagues adds quality in decisive moments. Previous Treinadores praised his professionalism and dedication on the field.
Integration into the French cast
The arrival of Roman Yaremchuk reinforces existing ties within the Olympique Lyonnais cast. Além of Clinton Mata, other international players facilitate cultural adaptation. The group has athletes of different nationalities, which speeds up rapport.
Paulo Fonseca plans to use the Ukrainian in different tactical systems. Its versatility allows it to act as a single reference or as an attacking duo. Initial Treinos shows good physical response after medical examinations.
