Football Italia
·19 November 2024
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·19 November 2024
Inter and Juventus target Jonathan David admits he may not leave Lille in January but dreams of playing for Barcelona.
Canada international David dreams of playing for La Liga giants Barcelona.
His contract with Lille runs out in the summer, so he can sign with any other club in the winter transfer window and complete a free transfer at the beginning of 2025-26.
Some clubs may be tempted to open talks with Lille to get David for a low transfer fee in January, but the striker seems uninterested in leaving his club in the middle of the campaign.
epa11035278 Lille’s Jonathan David celebrates after socoring the 1-1 goal during the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Lille and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in Lille, France, 17 December 2023. EPA-EFE/Mohammed Badra
“Going to a club midseason is never easy,” he told The Athletic.
“It’s not like the beginning of a season where you have a pre-season, you get to know your teammates, you have time to gel. In January, things are very hectic. It’s about right now. It’s tougher.”
Several top clubs have been linked with securing his services next summer, including Inter, Juventus, Barcelona, Newcastle and Arsenal, but David has clear ideas about his future.
“(Barcelona) was always the team I grew up supporting,” he admitted.
“When you grow up supporting a team, it’s your dream to play for them.”
Italian sources suggest David has demanded a €6m-a-year salary plus agent fees and a signing bonus exceeding €10m.
Inter have already opened preliminary talks with the striker’s agents, but competition to sign the Canada international will be fierce.
David has scored 13 goals in 19 appearances at a club level this term.