Scored 109 goals
©IMAGO
Over the last few years, Jonathan David has been linked with a transfer to a top club every single transfer window. But this summer, a move to a bigger club could actually happen. The 25-year-old forward announced on Wednesday on his social media channels that he will leave Lille when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Canadian men’s national team star used a video message to say goodbye to his club and fans, for whom he scored 109 goals and 30 assists in 231 games since 2020. In 2021, David won the Ligue 1 title and the following year the Super Cup. This year, Lille are once again in the race to qualify for the UEFA Champions League (to the Ligue 1 table).
For Lille, the announcement is a significant financial setback. With a market value of €45m, the striker is the most valuable player in the squad, and there were opportunities to sell the striker for a significant fee. Other clubs, however, refused to meet Lille’s financial demands. Now, David, who has drawn interest from Napoli, Juventus, and Inter Milan, will be available on a free transfer. Among players available on a free transfer, only Trent Alexander-Arnold has a higher market value.
What is next for Jonathan David?
So, what will happen next? As mentioned, David has been linked to several top clubs in the past. The aforementioned Italian clubs are one possible destination. However, Premier League clubs will also be put on alert that David can now be signed on a free transfer. Then there is PSG. The Ligue 1 giants have been far more homogenous in their squad construction and, after the failed Randal Kolo Muani experiment, need a top striker up front. Either way, David will be one of the hottest properties on the market this summer.
