Olympique Lyonnais have confirmed the departure of manager Paulo Fonseca. Sporting CP, the club that he is expected to join, have yet to officialise the Portuguese manager’s arrival at the club.

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Lyon said that “in recent days”, Fonseca had been “approached by a club that he is particularly attached to”. OL confirmed that Fonseca had asked to leave the club as a result, adding that the manager’s request was “unexpected” and “profoundly regrettable”.

Lyon to receive €5m; Maciel placed in charge in the interim

As a result, Lyon obliged, freeing up Fonseca to make the move back to his native Portugal and to Sporting CP. Images showed him arriving back in Portugal on Tuesday afternoon. OL also confirmed that they will receive a €5m fee for Fonseca, whilst they will also save his considerable salary.

The Ligue 1 side, currently third in the table and just three points off leaders Paris Saint-Germain, are now actively searching for his successor. However, it is Jorge Maciel, an assistant to Fonseca, who will manage the side until the international break. He will therefore be on the touchline for the upcoming games against Real Sociedad and Stade Brestois.