Fennecs: Rachid Ghezzal on the verge of returning to OL at 33

Europe 05 September 2025 at 12:40

Lydiane N'Po

News Editor

Rachid Ghezzal is on the brink of making a sensational comeback to Olympique Lyonnais, eight years after leaving the club. A free agent since the end of his spell at Rizespor, the Algerian winger is about to sign a one-year deal with an optional extra year with Les Gones.

Olympique Lyonnais is set to welcome a major reinforcement in the coming hours. Rachid Ghezzal, a familiar face at the club, was developed at Décines between 2004 and 2012. He then joined the first team and made his professional debut for Les Gones on October 4, 2012, in a Europa League fixture against Israeli side Kiryat Shmona.

Between 2012 and 2017, Rachid Ghezzal played 119 matches in Lyon's colors, finishing as Ligue 1 runner-up in 2015 and 2016. After leaving Lyon, the Algerian international played for Monaco, Leicester, Fiorentina, Besiktas, and most recently Rizespor. He clinched the Turkish Super Lig title in 2021 and lifted two Turkish Cups.

Out of contract since June, Ghezzal has accepted OL's offer, paving the way for his return to the senior squad eight years after his departure. The Rhone club, eager to boost its attacking options, has validated his profile and offered him a medium-term transition project. The official announcement could arrive in the next few hours.