Lille have put Jonathan David, once a transfer target for Liverpool, on the transfer list along with Leny Yoro, who is currently a target for the Reds.
Liverpool have shown interest in signing Leny Yoro this summer, but he is not the only player from Lille available for transfer.
Yoro, whose contract expires next year, has become one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents. Despite Liverpool’s keenness on the 18-year-old, Real Madrid are reportedly leading the race to secure his signature.
Nevertheless, Liverpool remain undeterred in their pursuit of Yoro and are prepared to make a move if Real Madrid’s interest wavers. The potential transfer has been facilitated by Lille’s president confirming the defender’s availability to leave the club.
“Leny Yoro and Jonathan David can leave the club this summer,” Olivier Letang confirmed at a press conference to announce Bruno Genesio as Lille’s new head coach earlier this week. “Both have the ‘exit voucher’ due to their contract situation.”
David is a familiar name to Liverpool supporters, having been considered by the club alongside Diogo Jota when they signed him from Wolves in September 2020.
Liverpool opted for Jota over David and Ismaila Sarr, a decision vindicated by Jota’s impressive record of 56 goals and 19 assists in 145 appearances, contributing to the club’s domestic cup successes in recent years.
However, Jota, now 27, has faced injury setbacks. With doubts over Darwin Nunez’s form and uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz’s futures, Liverpool may soon be in the market for another forward.
A replacement for Salah on the right is a priority, although versatility is valued. David, previously targeted by Liverpool as a striker for Lille, could offer this flexibility.
At 24, David moved to Lille from Gent in 2020 for €30m and has since scored 84 goals in 183 appearances, including 26 goals in each of the last two seasons. He helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in his debut season and contributed in the Champions League.
David’s ability to use both feet effectively makes him adaptable on either flank, having proven himself prolific in Belgium, France, and with the Canadian national team, tallying 147 career goals in 314 appearances.
Liverpool struggled in front of goal last season, making David a potential solution. Even if deployed centrally, he could alleviate pressure on the struggling Nunez.
While Liverpool initially favoured Jota over David, the latter now fits their preferred profile of signings at 24 years old.
David’s availability, with his contract expiring next summer, makes him an intriguing prospect. Revisiting their past interest could prove beneficial for Liverpool as they also monitor his Lille teammate, Yoro.
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