Lindsey Horan is going to be staying in France for a while yet.
The U.S. women’s national team midfielder has completed a transfer to Lyon, with the French powerhouse stating that they had paid the Portland Thorns a €250,000 transfer fee to seal the deal.
Per Lyon, that fee could rise by €50,000, though the club did not specify what would trigger that extra payment. Horan has signed a contract that runs through June 30, 2026.
“Since Lindsey left on loan for France we have remained in contact and continued the dialogue about her return to Portland,” Thorns FC general manager Karina LeBlanc said in a press release announcing the move. “In our discussions, Lindsey expressed her desire to remain there long term and continue that journey. She has our full support, and we are grateful for all the success she has helped bring to this club.”
“Portland holds such a special place in my heart, I made many incredible memories I will never forget,” said Horan. “I want to thank all those at the Thorns organization who have supported me along the way, my teammates, my coaches, and of course, the best fans in the world. Playing for this club and city and getting to experience gameday at Providence Park brought me great joy during my career. For me, Portland will always be home. Thank you for understanding my goals and dreams in my continuing career.”
Horan’s long-term future at Lyon
Horan’s move doesn’t come as a surprise. In May, Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor stated that she would be carrying on with the club next season while discussing forthcoming changes to her squad.
The 29-year-old joined Lyon on an 18-month loan in January 2022. Since then, she has been an integral player for a team that has gone on to win two Division 1 Féminine championships, the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, and the 2022-23 Coupe de France.
Horan’s long-term contract points to the more aggressive investment in the team expected under Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang, who has taken over the women’s side of the club after agreeing to a deal with Lyon owner John Textor.
While figures have not always been available for transfers in women’s soccer — an area that has seen rapid growth in recent years — England midfielder Keira Walsh’s €470,000 move to Barcelona is believed to be the biggest single fee paid for a traditional transfer. If the €50,000 bonus is triggered, Horan’s move would be second on that list, just ahead of Pernille Harder’s transfer to Chelsea (which involved a reported €294,000 fee) and Beth England’s switch to Tottenham (€285,000).
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