Lily Yohannes Set to Join OL Lyonnes
Lily Yohannes, a midfielder for the United States women’s national team, is reportedly on the brink of joining the esteemed French club OL Lyonnes. This move comes as Lyonnes, known for its impressive track record with eight European championships, has settled on a transfer deal with Ajax for the talented 18-year-old. Sources indicate that Yohannes is poised to finalize her personal agreement with Lyonnes shortly.
Interest from Other Clubs
Having been under contract at Ajax until June 2026, Yohannes attracted attention not just from Lyonnes, but also from Chelsea, the reigning champions in England, who were previously in contention to acquire her services, according to ESPN’s Emily Keogh.
International Career and Background
Yohannes has made eight appearances for the USWNT, marking her international debut in June 2024 where she made an immediate impact by scoring just ten minutes into the match. Her commitment to represent the United States came after a period of uncertainty during which she considered playing for the Netherlands, even pursuing Dutch citizenship.
Originally from Virginia, Yohannes relocated to the Netherlands at the age of ten. She began her professional journey by signing with Ajax when she was only 15. Impressively, she became the youngest player to start in a UEFA Women’s Champions League game in 2023, leading Ajax to a 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the mere age of 16.
Coaching Perspective
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes expressed her enthusiasm for Yohannes, citing her exceptional maturity and adaptability as key attributes. Hayes emphasized the importance of nurturing Yohannes’ development carefully, acknowledging her young age and relative inexperience at the international and elite levels.
