Moussa Niakhate has joined Lyon from Nottingham Forest in a £27million deal.
The defender has signed a four-year contract that will keep him at the French club until at least 2028.
Forest said in a statement that they wish Niakhate all the best for the future and thanked him “for his contributions during his time at the club”.
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The 28-year-old joined Forest from Mainz 05 in July 2022, where he had been their captain and made 128 Bundesliga appearances.
During his two seasons at Forest, the defender played in 37 matches, contributing to the team’s stay in the Premier League after a 23-year absence.
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Niakhate also made his debut for the Senegal national team while with Forest, starting for them at the Africa Cup of Nations. He has earned 12 caps for his country, having missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury.
Forest have been seeking sales in order to ease their difficulties with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), potentially leaving themselves open to a possible points deduction for next season if they failed to raise sufficient funds.
They have already been active in this summer’s transfer window after completing the signing of Elliot Anderson on a five-year deal from Newcastle United.
In a corresponding but separate move goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos moved the other way to St James’ Park.
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