Tottenham Star on Lille Radar Amid Goalkeeper Search | OneFootball

LOSC Face Crucial Goalkeeping Call After Chevalier’s PSG Move

Lille have been forced into another significant goalkeeping rebuild following Lucas Chevalier’s confirmed move to Paris Saint-Germain. L’Equipe reports that while the transfer had been expected for several days, it marks a pivotal moment for the club, one that stirs memories of the uncertainty that followed Mike Maignan’s departure to AC Milan in 2021.

Back then, the post-Maignan era saw Croatian Ivo Grbic and Brazilian Léo Jardim struggle to fill the void. It took until September 2022 for Chevalier, a “local boy” and academy product, to bring stability between the posts. His farewell came with a 3-0 win over Venice at Domaine de Luchin, a fitting send-off before joining PSG.

Photo IMAGO

Interim Options and Immediate Cover

LOSC have not yet signed Chevalier’s successor, but they did move early to secure Belgian goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart from FC Metz on a free transfer in July. At 27, Bodart has been brought in as a dependable number two, with the capacity to take on interim duties. According to L’Equipe, the club were reassured during pre-season that Bodart “offered guarantees to ensure an interim role.”

Tottenham Talks and European Targets

L’Equipe revealed that “in search of a number 1, they have sounded out Tottenham for the loan of Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky (22 years old, 1.90 m), motivated by the Dogues project.” However, Tottenham’s financial stance on the player, bought from Slavia Prague for €16.5 million in January, has proven a stumbling block.

The Ligue 1 club are also monitoring Marseille’s Jeffrey De Lange. The 27-year-old, who arrived from the Go Ahead Eagles last summer for €2 million, is reportedly interested in a starting role at a top-flight French club.

Photo: IMAGO

Portuguese Contender in the Frame

Another name on Lille’s shortlist is Ricardo Velho of Farense. The 26-year-old was one of the standout performers in the 2023-24 Portuguese Championship before a knee injury curtailed his season. L’Equipe note that “the Faro club would like to obtain €5 million to let go of the man who was called up for the first time with the Seleçao last October.” However, Brest and Celta Vigo are also vying for his signature, adding pressure to Lille’s pursuit.

Strategic Decision Ahead

The task for Lille’s recruitment team is to find a number one who can provide the same calm assurance Chevalier offered over the past three seasons. Balancing financial realities, competition from other clubs and the urgency to make a signing before the campaign begins will define their summer strategy.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The interest in Antonin Kinsky reflects how far the Czech goalkeeper’s reputation has risen in a short space of time. Spurs fans may question whether a loan to Lille benefits the club if the financial demands are met, or whether keeping him as depth behind Guglielmo Vicario is wiser, given the length of the season.

For Lille supporters, losing a homegrown figure like Chevalier is a blow both on the pitch and in the heart. The memories of instability in goal after Maignan’s departure are still fresh, so there will be little patience for extended trial-and-error. Bodart may provide stop-gap assurance, but the fanbase will want a proven number one secured swiftly.

Ricardo Velho’s track record in Portugal and his recent national team call-up make him an attractive option, but his knee injury and competition from other suitors raise questions. De Lange offers Ligue 1 familiarity, while Kinsky represents a long-term prospect with physical presence and a strong development ceiling.

For both clubs, this feels like a transfer decision that will ripple into the season’s fortunes.