Gent and Canadian international striker, Jonathan David, has named his preferred destination ahead of the summer transfer window. In an interview with L’Equipe, the Canadian has expressed his desire to join French club Lille.
Jonathan David Expresses Desire to Join Lille
Career Development
The 20-year-old had previously admitted that the Premier League holds great appeal to him. However, amid interest from France, it seems he has had a change of heart.
After two years playing in Canada, David left Ottawa Internationals in 2018 for his switch to European football. The Canadian enjoyed a prolific 2019-20 campaign with Gent, finishing the cancelled Jupiler Pro League as the top scorer with 18 goals.
Although he was born in New York, USA, David has represented Canada on 12 occasions, scoring an impressive 11 goals, including a hat-trick against Cuba in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Alongside Alphonso Davies, David is considered a star of the future for a potentially dangerous Canadian football team.
David, however, is still under contract with the Belgian club until 2023. It seems as though he is already planning to take the next step in his promising career. He is touted as one of the most exciting prospects from North America.
What Was Said
Gent have reportedly received a €25 million bid from Lille, who are ready to hand David a five-year contract at Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Following the bid, the Canadian told L’Equipe: “Yes, I want to come to Lille. I have had a very good season. For me, my next step, is Ligue 1. The footballing project at Lille is fantastic. They are a very good team. I already speak French. That will help during my adaptation period.”
Gent are reportedly holding out for a slightly higher offer from the Ligue 1 club; they value the striker in the region of €30 million. This is despite the warped financial setting following the coronavirus pandemic.
The young star has bags of potential and has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal in the recent past. However, it seems that should Lille and Gent agree a fee, David’s next destination could well be set in stone.
Lille may wish to fund the move for Jonathan David with the departure of Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian forward has been linked with a big money move to Napoli in recent days.
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