Key Takeaways
- At 38, World Cup winner Olivier Giroud is being targeted by Ligue 1 side Lille as a top option to bolster their striker ranks next season.
- Lille need a replacement for outgoing striker Jonathan David, and view Giroud’s leadership and experience as major assets.
- Despite limited impact in MLS—just 3 goals in 20 games—Giroud’s pedigree gives Lille confidence in his fit.
- His current LAFC contract runs through end of 2025, meaning Lille would pay a transfer fee if the move materializes.
- If Giroud departs LAFC, it could open up a high-profile Designated Player slot—possibly for a star like Thomas Müller.
In a dramatic turn, Lille are eyeing a blockbuster return to Ligue 1 by pursuing Olivier Giroud—the celebrated French striker now at LAFC. At 38, Giroud offers more than just goals; his World Cup-winning presence and proven track record in top leagues make him a valuable asset for a Lille side in transition.
Lille’s recent campaign saw the departure of Jonathan David, leaving a striking void they’re keen to fill. Amidst scouting younger talent, the club has also made an offer to Giroud for the 2025–26 season—hoping that a seasoned finisher can guide a forwards line in search of consistency.
Yet, Giroud hasn’t lit up Major League Soccer. He’s managed just 3 goals in 20 appearances, struggling to find rhythm this season. Still, his résumé—spanning elite clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Milan—makes Lille optimistic about a resurgence upon return to France.
Contract-wise, Giroud is signed through the end of 2025 with LAFC, meaning Lille likely face a transfer fee. Sources suggest both parties are in communication, with talks in early stages—but momentum is building.
And there’s more at stake: if Giroud exits, LAFC would have room for a new marquee signing as a Designated Player. The club is reportedly eyeing someone like Thomas Müller, while others in MLS are also circling.
If Lille pulls off this transfer coup, Giroud’s return would be a headline-making homecoming—melding elite leadership with a hungry attack. For LAFC, it’s not just a departure—it could spark a wave of blockbuster signings. Stay tuned to Goal Drift as this transfer saga unfolds across continents and rewrites the future of two clubs.
