Paulo Fonseca and Jonathan David could defy expectations and remain at Lille | OneFootball

It has long since been expected that Paulo Fonseca and Jonathan David (24) would leave Lille OSC at the end of the season, however, that may no longer be the case.

The allure of UEFA Champions League football is significant. Should Lille equal or better Stade Brestois’ result, they will finish on the podium, which will see the club qualify for the Champions League proper. Could that convince some of LOSC’s prized assets to stay? Perhaps.

Amidst significant interest from Olympique de Marseille and AC Milan, Le Parisien are now reporting that Fonseca may instead extend his Lille contract, which is set to expire at the end of the current campaign – that despite the (at times) difficult relationship with LOSC president Olivier Létang. Bruno Genesio could be a priority target for Les Dogues in the event that Fonseca does depart, as had previously been anticipated.

David, who had been set to leave last summer before ultimately staying at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, could also stay once again. “Of course, you could see me in a Lille shirt again. There was always the rumour announcing my departure last season but I stayed. In addition, we have the chance to play in the Champions League. There is a chance [that I stay],” the Canada international told La Voix du Nord.

Should one, or both, of David and Fonseca remain with LOSC, it will be a big boost for a club, set to rejoin Europe’s elite in the Champions League.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle