Korean-American Owned Lyon Pursues Transfer of Bae Jun-ho from Stoke City

French football powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais is reportedly pursuing a transfer for South Korean attacking midfielder Bae Jun-ho, currently playing for English Championship club Stoke City.

According to French outlet Football Mercato, Lyonnais, which has already signed five players this season, has identified Bae as a key target. The 23-year-old player has one year remaining on his contract with Stoke City and is reportedly open to a move to the French club. Bae, who can play on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder, has been a standout player since his youth career. He was a pivotal figure for South Korea's U20 team, wearing the number 10 jersey and leading them to the semifinals of the 2023 U20 World Cup.

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Lyon, who have recruited five players this season, are watching Stoke City's Bae Jun-ho.

His performance in the U20 World Cup attracted attention from European clubs, leading to his transfer to Stoke City in the summer of 2023. Since then, Bae has established himself as a regular starter, accumulating 134 appearances across three seasons and contributing 8 goals and 14 assists. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to the senior national team in June 2024. Although an injury prevented him from playing in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he was part of the final squad and experienced the tournament.

Lyonnais, a club with a rich history including seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2001-02, is aiming for a resurgence. They secured a fourth-place finish in the 2025-26 season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. The club's owner, Korean-American businessman Michel Kang, is a prominent figure in women's football and boasts an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, according to Forbes.

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Bae Jun-ho has one year left on his contract with Stoke City, and Bae Jun-ho is also responding positively to a transfer to Lyon.