Lyon terminate veteran Matic’s contract a year early

BELGRADE: Former Serbian international Nemanja Matic has reached an “amicable” agreement for the early termination of his contract with Lyon, the Ligue 1 club said Thursday.

The 37-year-old former Manchester United, Chelsea and Benfica midfielder’s contract had been due to run until June 30, 2026.

However the club has opted to shed one of its highest paid players as part of its effort to significantly reduce its payroll.

Matic arrived in January 2024 from league rivals Rennes and played a key role in helping Lyon move from last at the 2023-2024 winter break to finish sixth, qualifying for the Europa League, and playing in the French Cup final, losing 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain.

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He has made a total of 58 appearances for Lyon who open their campaign at Lens on Saturday.

Matic earned 48 caps for Serbia between 2008 and 2020.

Wissa to miss Brentford opener 

Separately, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa will not feature in Sunday’s Premier League game at Nottingham Forest due to uncertainty over his future, manager Keith Andrews said on Thursday.

The 28-year-old DR Congo international has attracted interest from clubs including Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Andrews’ first league game comes after a difficult summer for Brentford upheaval during which long-serving manager Thomas Frank joined Tottenham Hotspur, and key players departed.