Aston Villa, Leeds and Tottenham Battle for Lyon Playmaker Pavel Sulc

Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Tottenham Hotspur are all tracking Pavel Sulc, the 25-year-old Czechia international currently at Lyon, with a move being weighed for next year.

A report from Hooligan Soccer names Atletico Madrid, Como, Lazio, Juventus, and Everton as additional suitors circling the Lyon playmaker. Leeds United and Juventus stand out as the only clubs to have made concrete moves so far. Leeds have established official contact, while Juventus have held exploratory talks. Lyon are said to be holding out for roughly €50 million before sanctioning any sale.

Pavel Sulc’s rapid rise in Ligue 1

Sulc has wasted no time becoming one of the most dependable performers in Ligue 1. The Czech attacker signed for Lyon from Viktoria Plzen in August 2025 and immediately made his mark, contributing 11 goals and 3 assists in just 1,569 minutes across 27 Ligue 1 appearances as the club secured a top-four finish.

His form has carried into the new campaign. Despite fluctuating between the bench and the starting XI, Sulc has already registered three assists in five Ligue 1 matches, helping push Les Gones to second in the table. The volume of interest from clubs across Europe makes sense given that output.

A man in demand

Sulc has been a target for Aston Villa dating back to his time at Viktoria Plzen. That lingering interest reflects Villa’s need to refresh Unai Emery’s midfield and attacking ranks as John McGinn continues to age out of a regular starting role. Sulc’s capacity to operate in multiple positions through the spine adds to his value, and his output could smooth Villa’s adjustment following the departures of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.

Leeds United tried to land Sulc during the summer window before the deal collapsed. Their renewed pursuit tracks logically, with Dan James and Brenden Aaronson reportedly unsettled at Elland Road due to inconsistent playing time. Sulc’s flexibility suits Daniel Farke’s setup well, capable of dropping deeper in a 3-5-2 or pushing higher within a 3-4-2-1.

At Tottenham Hotspur, James Maddison’s recurring injury issues have raised questions over his reliability across a full season, while Conor Gallagher has struggled for consistency since his move from Atletico Madrid earlier this year. Sulc profiles as an immediate fit for the number 10 role, and his combined tally of 14 goals and 10 assists for Lyon points to a productivity lift should he arrive in North London.

Read also: Galatasaray Set to Test Arsenal Over Viktor Gyokeres in January

Lyon’s price tag and leverage

Lyon’s €50 million valuation does not look inflated given the sheer number of clubs circling the player, eight in total. Sulc’s age and the near three years remaining on his contract strengthen Lyon’s negotiating position further. A prolonged bidding war between multiple Premier League and Serie A clubs would only push that fee toward what Lyon are seeking.

Follow TipsGG for continued coverage as this transfer situation develops.