Ruben Kluivert is heading to France. The 24-year-old Dutch defender officially joined Lyon this Friday. This move marks a big step for the center-back as he begins a new chapter.
For Casa Pia, his former club in Portugal, it’s a moment to remember. They are receiving 3.78 million euros right away for the transfer. There’s more money on the table too. Casa Pia could get an extra 650,000 euros if Kluivert meets certain goals. Plus, they will get 15 percent of any profit if Lyon sells him later. This deal helps their future plans.
Being the son of football legend Patrick Kluivert, Ruben has always had big shoes to fill. Last season, he played 24 games for Casa Pia and even scored one goal. Now, he’s ready to make his own mark on a bigger stage with one of France’s top clubs.
He has signed a long-term contract with the French team. His deal keeps him at Lyon until June 2030. Interestingly, Lyon is coached by Paulo Fonseca, a Portuguese manager. This might make the transition a little smoother for the former Casa Pia player as he settles into his new home.
This deal also makes history for Casa Pia. It’s the largest sale they have ever made. The previous record was for Portuguese winger Nuno Moreira. He went to Vasco da Gama in Brazil earlier this year for 3.5 million euros. Kluivert’s transfer now tops that by a good margin, setting a new benchmark for the Lisbon-based club.