Canada's Jonathan David announces Lille departure
Canada international Jonathan David has announced he will leave Lille when his contract expires in June.
The 25-year-old departs Lille after five years, in which time he has made 231 appearances, scored 109 goals and provided 30 assists, in addition to winning the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title.
He confirmed his departure in a video posted on social media, and will now become a free agent in the summer.
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David said: 'I've had five wonderful seasons here. It has not always been easy, but I hope that with my goals and my celebrations, I've managed to bring you some joy.
'Notably, the French Championship (2020-21) and the French Super Cup (2021). I think that with these two trophies together, we have brought a lot of pleasure and joy.
'I would like to thank all my teammates, all the coaches, staff, technical teams, medical teams and managers. Everyone I have met during my time at the club, thank you from the bottom of my heart.'
Thank you for 5 amazing years Jonathan David ❤️🥺 pic.twitter.com/PfJUkHWDU8
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 14, 2025
The Athletic reported in April that David's representatives had held talks with West Ham United's hierarchy. The Premier League club hold a longstanding interest in the forward, which dates back to January 2021. David also held talks with Chelsea in the summer of 2024.
His Lille exit had been anticipated, with Lille president Olivier Letang giving his public blessing to a move the previous summer.
David moved from Canada to Belgium in 2018 and joined Gent's academy, scoring 37 goals and provide 15 assists in 83 games for their senior side.
The Canada international's form in Belgium prompted Lille to sign the then-20-year-old forward in the summer of 2020.
After joining the French side, David established himself as one of Ligue 1's most reliable goal scorers. He helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2021, scoring 19 goals in 48 games to end Paris Saint-Germain's run of three successive league titles. Lille also beat PSG 1-0 to win the French Super Cup in August 2021.
Lille are fifth in Ligue 1 and will end their campaign against Reims at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Saturday.
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