Jeff Caschell
Lily Johannes, a midfielder for the US Women’s National Team, has signed a three-year contract with the esteemed French club OL Lyonnes, as announced on Monday.
The eight-time European champions finalized the agreement last week for the 18-year-old player from Ajax, according to sources close to ESPN. Her contract is set to last until June 30, 2028.
The transfer fee is reported to be around 450,000 euros (approximately $526K), with Ajax also set to receive a percentage of any future transfers. Johannes’ deal with Ajax is effective until June 2026.
Chelsea, the British champions, were also in the running to sign Johannes, as reported by sources.
Johannes has earned eight caps for the USWNT and made her debut at 17 years old in June 2024, scoring 10 minutes into the match.
In November, she committed to represent the United States internationally, after previously considering the Netherlands.
Born in Virginia, Johannes moved to the Netherlands when she was 10 and signed her first professional contract with Ajax at 15.
At just 16, she made her mark in the UEFA Women’s Champions League by starting in a 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, becoming the youngest player to do so.
“She shows remarkable maturity and talent,” USWNT head coach Emma Hayes stated in May. “I’m committed to her development, and given her young age and limited experience at the international level, it’s important for us to be patient.”
Emily Keogh from ESPN contributed to this report.
Fan Take: The signing of Lily Johannes by OL Lyonnes marks a significant step for both her career and the growth of women’s soccer globally. As emerging talents make their mark internationally, it opens doors for increased visibility and support for the sport, which is crucial for its future development.
