Lille deny reports of Jonathan David Saudi move
After scoring 24 goals and proving yet again he is one of the best strikers in Ligue 1, Canadian striker Jonathan David (23) was expected to be highly-coveted in this summer’s transfer window. However, that has not yet come to pass.
According to a report from the Gulf State, Al-Hilal have shown interest in signing the attacker this summer, following the mass exodus of talent from Europe to the Middle East. However, a report from La Voix du Nord report stipulates that Lille have firmly denied these rumours, stating that they are “very surprised” and “sceptical” in regard to the information published.
The original source, Saudi channel AlKlass, spoke of “advanced discussions” between the different parties, with Jorje Jesus, Al-Hilal’s coach, choosing the striker as one of his main targets for the summer.
On Lille’s side, Paulo Fonseca has said several times he would like to keep the striker, although he does “understand the situation the club is in”.
Lille are hoping to get around €60 million for the striker, whose contract runs until 2025. In the case of Dusan Vlahovic’s departure, it seems that Juventus would be first in line to sign the striker, according to La Voix du Nord.
His departure and the transfer fee garnered could be a catalyst to kick-starting Lille’s transfer window, with Gent striker Gift Orban still on the club’s radar to replace the Canadian striker. Lille have seen Tiago Santos, Hákon Arnar Haraldsson and Samuel Umtiti arrive so far.
GFFN | Tom Abadie
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