Jonathan David is set to complete a transfer to Juventus.placeholder image
Jonathan David is set to complete a transfer to Juventus. | AFP via Getty Images
Jonathan David has found himself at the centre of a transfer saga after leaving Lille as a free agent.
The Canadian is out of contract at the Ligue 1 club and has not extended his stay, leaving the club and making himself available on a free transfer. The 25-year-old, who has Champions League, Europa League and Conference League experience, had been tipped to be on his way to the Premier League.
West Ham and Arsenal set to lose Jonathan David transfer race
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have also been credited with interest since the end of the Premier League season with competition from Ligue 1 giants Marseille too. However, it now appears as if Juventus will win the race and David will not make his Premier League debut.
The striker scored 25 goals in all competitions for Lille last season, including strikes against Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in the Champions League. The former Gent man won Ligue 1 and the Trophee des Champions in 2021 with Lille.
Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote: “BREAKING: Jonathan David to Juventus, here we go! Verbal agreement reached overnight on every detail with Canadian striker. Long term deal agreed and Jonathan David’s set to travel for medical tests, formal steps to follow. Contracts to be checked and signed soon.”
Lille striker edges towards Serie A move
David had been outspoken over the fact that he would seek a new challenge this summer, hinting at potential moves to the Premier League or La Liga. As relayed by the Shields Gazette, David said: “Yes, I will be free at the end of the season. As for my future, I hope to grow, become a better player and play for the biggest clubs in the world, if I can. Do you want any clues about my future?
“You will all know in due time, that is at the end of the season. I will not comment before then. First of all, I want to finish this season well, the end looks exciting and I want to play well and help the team. And when the season is over, the decision will be made and announced.”
Speaking to The Overlap, he added: “I think I can adapt to every league. Every league has its differences. The Premier League is a lot faster and more physical than all of the other leagues.
“For me, I grew up watching a lot of La Liga and for me, that would be my preferred league. That is the league that I enjoyed watching the most so one day I would like to play there. Will that happen? I don’t know. We’ll see what the future takes us.”
In other news, Departed West Ham star dealt crushing blow as Charlton Athletic sign 'fantastic' ex Premier League man.
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