In a shocking twist following Olympique Lyonnais’ relegation to Ligue 2, Manchester City wasted no time in securing the signature of Argentine wonderkid Thiago Almada — dubbed by many as the “Messi 2.0” — for a dramatically reduced transfer fee. The move has sparked outrage among Lyon officials, who accuse the Premier League champions of taking advantage of their desperate situation.

Almada, widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted South American talents of his generation, had joined Lyon just months prior and quickly established himself as a fan favorite, despite the club’s disappointing season. But with Lyon’s demotion confirmed, financial pressure mounted — and City moved swiftly to strike a deal.

According to reports from both English and French media, Manchester City paid under €20 million for the 23-year-old playmaker, a fee significantly below his market value. Lyon, faced with dwindling revenues and urgent restructuring needs, found themselves in a weak bargaining position.

The transfer became even more contentious after Almada himself spoke publicly about his decision:

“Manchester City is the perfect place for me to play. I’ve always dreamed of working with Pep Guardiola, and I’m ready to give everything for this club.”

His statement, while well-received by City fans, further fueled the fire in Lyon. A senior official at the French club expressed frustration:

“We were backed into a corner. Manchester City knew our situation and used it to their advantage. The fee doesn’t reflect Thiago’s value — it’s daylight robbery.”

The move adds another layer of depth to City’s already star-studded midfield, with Almada expected to slot in as a creative option capable of unlocking defenses and dictating tempo. Pep Guardiola has reportedly been monitoring the Argentine for over a year and views him as a long-term investment and possible heir to the likes of Bernardo Silva or Kevin De Bruyne.

For Lyon, the loss is both sporting and symbolic. Already facing a turbulent road ahead in Ligue 2, the departure of their brightest talent under such circumstances has demoralized both fans and staff. Social media has been flooded with criticism toward the club’s leadership, with supporters demanding greater transparency and a stronger stance in future negotiations.

While Manchester City celebrates what many are calling one of the smartest signings of the summer window, Lyon is left to pick up the pieces. The transfer not only highlights the growing financial gap between Europe’s elite and struggling traditional powers but also raises questions about the ethics of exploiting weakened clubs during their lowest moments.

As Almada prepares to don the sky blue shirt at the Etihad, one thing is clear: this is a move that may define the summer — and not just for what happened on the pitch.