Lille star Jonathan David keeping options open amid Tottenham Hotspur interest
Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a highly productive summer transfer window, recruiting as many as five exciting signings.
The additions of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert have further strengthened the club’s long-term vision and strategy. Ange Postecoglou and the club will be hoping Richarlison’s acquisition in a record £65m deal from Bournemouth pays rich dividends—now as well as in the future.
Before splashing the cash on Dominic Solanke, Tottenham were linked with an array of strikers across the continent. One of those was LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David.
Jonathan David enjoyed a fantastic 2023/24 season with Lille, netting 26 goals across all competitions. The forward supplied nine assists along the way, showing the creative side of his game. This sensational form caught the eye of several clubs across Europe, including Big Ange’s Spurs.
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The Canada international has begun the new season in rollicking fashion with three goals and two assists in seven appearances across all competitions. He also netted the winner for Canada in the 2-1 friendly win over USA on Sunday evening.
Having entered the final year of his contract (Transfermarkt), David, who Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is a big fan of, has hinted that he would be open to a move to the Premier League regardless of being in talks over a contract extension with Lille.
“Right now, we’re speaking with (LOSC president) Olivier Letang about a possible extension,” David told The Athletic.
“We’ll see how that goes. I’m open to anything. I think obviously the Premier League is regarded as one of the best leagues in the world.
“And for me it’s not the Premier League or bust. I’m open to anything and every league has its challenges.”
There is expected to be added interest in the €32,308-per-week Lille star when the transfer window reopens, whether a new deal is agreed or not. Lille are wary that they cannot afford to lose Canada’s all-time record goalscorer for free next summer, so they are trying to agree on a short contract extension to retain his market value.
In the final week of the past summer transfer window, Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold claimed that Spurs admired David even after making Solanke their most expensive buy of all time. The Lilywhites are lacking depth up front and require a quality back-up to Solanke. So, with the Canadian hit-man’s contract winding down, Spurs must look to get him in January for a paltry fee.
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The recruitment of Solanke will go a massive way in assuring the striking position at the Hotspur Way, and if we revive our interest and can persuade Lille into selling David at the start of 2025, it will significantly bolster our front line for the best part of this decade.
