Alexandre Lacazette Finds a New Club

Ex-Arsenal Striker Agrees Saudi Arabia Move After Leaving Relegated Lyon

Some transfers make noise, others make sense — and then there are those that quietly carry the weight of a player’s legacy into a new chapter. That’s the story unfolding for Alexandre Lacazette, who is set to embark on a fresh journey in the Middle East. The former Arsenal and Lyon striker has reportedly reached a full agreement to join Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom, a move that will see the Frenchman test himself in a vastly different environment after an emotional second spell with his boyhood club.

What Happened? The Deal Taking Shape

According to reports from L’Équipe, Alexandre Lacazette has agreed to a two-year contract with Neom FC, a recently promoted club in the rapidly growing Saudi Pro League. At 34 years old, the experienced forward has already completed his medical examinations, and the transfer is said to be all but finalized, pending a final detail in the paperwork.

Though not yet officially announced by either party, it’s understood that both the player and the club are eager to wrap up the final touches, with a formal unveiling expected in the coming days. And with the growing ambition of Saudi Arabian football and Neom’s desire to establish themselves among the league’s more competitive sides, this move could serve as more than just a swansong for the French striker.

The Bigger Picture: End of an Era in Lyon

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It’s impossible to tell this story without acknowledging what Alexandre Lacazette has meant to Olympique Lyonnais. He rejoined his hometown club in the summer of 2022 after five seasons with Arsenal, returning not just as a player, but as a symbol — a leader to guide a new generation and help return Lyon to former heights.

Unfortunately, that dream took a difficult turn. Despite Alexandre Lacazette’s individual brilliance — scoring 43 goals in just two seasons — Lyon suffered an overall collapse that ended with their shock relegation from Ligue 1. The 2024–25 season ended with heartbreak, and with the expiry of his contract,Alexandre  Lacazette became a free agent.

Still, his numbers speak volumes. With 184 goals in 326 appearances across two stints at Lyon, he leaves as one of the club’s most prolific forwards of all time, not to mention a beloved former captain who led by example on and off the pitch. Even in a struggling side, he managed to lead the scoring charts, and he remained a consistent performer through some of the club’s darkest recent moments.

Why the Saudi Pro League? Understanding the Move

Much has been said over the past year about the Saudi Pro League’s emergence as a destination for Europe’s most recognizable names. Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr sparked a wave of veteran stars looking eastward, and since then, the likes of Benzema, Kanté, Mahrez, and Firmino have all followed suit.

But for Alexandre Lacazette, the move feels a little different.

This isn’t just about wages — although those are certainly a factor. At 34, and having given everything to his last two clubs, he’s now seeking a fresh challenge in a league that’s evolving quickly and looking to establish its identity on the global stage. With Neom FC building a squad around experience and leadership, Alexandre Lacazette may find himself playing a central role, both as a player and as a mentor.

He won’t just be another name on a marquee. He’ll likely be leading the line, guiding younger teammates, and potentially even wearing the armband once again.

A Look Back: From Lyon Prodigy to Premier League Standout

For many, Alexandre Lacazette’s name is synonymous with consistency. From his breakthrough in Lyon’s academy to becoming a household name in France, his rise was steady and well-earned. By the time he left for Arsenal in 2017, he had already scored over 100 goals in Ligue 1 and was one of Europe’s most coveted strikers.

At Arsenal, Alexandre Lacazette continued to build his reputation. In five years at the Emirates, he scored 71 goals in all competitions, helping the Gunners win the FA Cup and reach the Europa League final. His link-up play with players like Mesut Özil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Bukayo Saka often went underappreciated, but he remained a key figure throughout his time in North London.

Despite never being the flashiest or most talked-about striker, Lacazette has always done the job — quietly, efficiently, and with a high football IQ. He’s a player respected by teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

What Neom Gains: A Proven Leader

Neom FC may not yet be a household name in world football, but they’re determined to change that. Newly promoted to the Saudi top flight, the club has ambitions beyond survival. Their recruitment strategy is built around experience, quality, and leadership, and in Alexandre Lacazette, they may have found the perfect piece.

He brings not just goals, but also professionalism, tactical understanding, and the ability to influence games in multiple ways. Whether through clever hold-up play, movement in the box, or simply leading by example in training, Alexandre Lacazette is the kind of player that can help build a club’s culture from the ground up.

His arrival will likely galvanize both the squad and the supporters, as Neom prepares for what promises to be their most exciting season to date.

What Next for Alexandre Lacazette?

While the final contract detail is still being ironed out, all signs point to Lacazette being officially presented by Neom in a matter of days. Once announced, he’ll join the squad for pre-season preparations ahead of the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League campaign.

The goalscoring responsibilities will be heavy — but if history is anything to go by, he’s up to the task.

He may not dominate headlines like Ronaldo or Neymar, but make no mistake: Lacazette remains a force. And in a league that’s rapidly gaining credibility and competitiveness, his arrival could quietly prove one of the smartest moves of the summer.

Final Thoughts: New League, Same Alexandre Lacazette

In the end, Alexandre Lacazette’s move to Neom isn’t just about football — it’s about evolution. It’s about a player who has given everything to the clubs that raised him and now seeks one final chapter where he can continue doing what he loves: scoring goals, mentoring others, and leading from the front.

Saudi Arabia may be a new frontier, but for a player like Alexandre Lacazette — grounded, gifted, and deeply respected — it’s simply another pitch on which to leave his mark.