Lille target Franck Honorat to replace outgoing Jonathan Bamba | OneFootball

A promising season for LOSC Lille usually means many departures afterwards. Luckily for manager Paulo Fonseca, much of the 2021 title-winning side stayed in Lille since and he was able to guide them to 5th place in the table this season. However, this summer could see a clean slate for his squad, with L’Équipe announcing a large number of departures this summer.

In today’s paper, the French outlet outlines key changes that will be made to the team in the coming weeks. First of all, Jonathan Bamba will not have his contract extended past this month. As a replacement, Lille will reportedly be targeting Stade Brestois’ Franck Honorat. Captain José Fonte would like to extend his contract, but the club are currently discussing a future backroom role within the club with him.

Furthermore, André Gomes will not stay following his year-long loan from Everton, his wages being too hefty for Lille’s budget. In midfield, Jonas Martin and Carlos Baleba should both be departing as well, to gain more game time elsewhere.

One of Ligue 1’s top scorers over the last few seasons in Jonathan David will no doubt be leaving the club this summer. While Lille qualified for Europa Conference League, the Canadian would like to play in the Champions League in a top European side. With 24 goals in the league this season, Lille have no intention in selling him for cheap, with reports suggesting a €60 million price tag.

This money would be invested in attacking players, with both Mohamed Bayo and Timothy Weah both set to depart the club as well. The former has not impressed following his arrival from Clermont Foot, particularly after going to a nightclub right before a game against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. With one year left on his contract, Weah could be interested by a new challenge, with both Olympique de Marseille and Juventus interested in the American.

Finally, Lille hope to keep the Brazilian Ismaily, who was the best left-back of Ligue 1 this season according to L’Équipe’s ratings. The 33-year-old has not played enough games to trigger his automatic contract extension and is giving himself the time to think about his future.

GFFN | Tom Abadie