Former Manchester United captain Nemanja Matic becomes a free agent after Lyon’s shock decision to end his contract.
Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has become a free agent after Lyon made a surprise decision last night. The French club released a short statement: “Nemanja Matic and OL have ended their partnership. Thank you for the wonderful moments, Nemanja. Good luck in the future.”
Matic joined Lyon in January 2024 from Rennes and made 55 appearances for the club. No reason was given for the sudden split between Lyon and the Serbian veteran.
Back in June, Lyon were relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial turmoil, having announced debts of £422 million in October last year. However, the club successfully appealed and were allowed to remain in Ligue 1, marking their 37th consecutive season in the top division. The decision also cost Crystal Palace a Europa League spot, as both clubs share the same owner, John Textor.
Last season, Matic caused controversy when he was suspended for two matches after covering up the rainbow Ligue 1 logo—part of the league’s annual anti-homophobia campaign—during a match against Angers.
He also made headlines after a fiery exchange with Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, calling the Cameroonian “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history” ahead of a Europa League clash, following Onana’s claim that United were “stronger” than the French side.
Matic spent five seasons at Manchester United, making 189 appearances and at times wearing the captain’s armband. However, he was unable to replicate the same level of success he enjoyed at Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and one League Cup. He was a key figure in Chelsea’s title-winning squads under Jose Mourinho in 2014/15 and Antonio Conte in 2016/17.
Despite being 37 years old, opportunities may still await him, with reports previously linking him to a Premier League return—albeit just speculation—with Ipswich Town. At that time, Ipswich were said to be competing with Napoli, Fiorentina, and Como for his signature.