United States international midfielder Tanner Tessmann is close to signing for French club Lyon, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Tessmann, 22, has one year left on his contract with Serie A club Venezia but has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with Lyon, owned by American billionaire John Textor.
The former FC Dallas player, who captained the US men's team at the Paris Olympics earlier this month, wants to join the Ligue 1 club, a source said.
Lyon and Venezia are currently negotiating the transfer fee for the player, with Lyon hoping to close a deal for around €5 million ($5.6 million). Venezia, who signed Tessmann for €3.6 million ($4 million) in the summer of 2021, want €7 million ($7.8 million), according to a source.
Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and qualified for the Europa League, were looking for a young, physically strong, ball-playing defensive midfielder and Tessmann ticks all those boxes. He would be a Textor signing, but his profile has been validated by Lyon coach Pierre Sage.
Tessmann's signing appears certain, even though the club has assured Ligue 1's financial authority that it will raise 100 million euros ($111 million) in sales this summer to avoid further restrictions from the league's financial watchdog.
Tessmann made 20 Serie A appearances for Venezia before their relegation to Serie B at the end of the 2021-22 season. He was a key contributor to the club's promotion to Italy's top flight last season, missing just one game and contributing seven goals and three assists.
He has made two appearances for the United States men's senior national team, making his debut in January 2021.
