The likely departure of Edon Zhegrova from Lille this summer was anticipated by the LOSC management, which had actively targeted several right wingers during the summer mercato. Although Zhegrova is often mentioned as a target of the Olympique de Marseille, the Lille recruiters, notably Olivier Létaing and Bruno Genesio, managed to attract the young international Norwegian hope Marius Broholm. This recruit is part of a broader strategy, illustrated by Lucas Chevalier’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

Among the many tracks explored by the LOSC, Dilane Bakwa, player of the RC Strasbourg, was also considered. Bakwa, who had an exceptional season in Ligue 1 with 6 goals and 9 assists in 30 games, was an interesting option. However, the high financial requirements of the RC Strasbourg, especially for this young French international trained in Bordeaux, led the LOSC to abandon this path.

This decision is now justified as RC Strasbourg has recently refused a €28 million transfer offer from Nottingham Forest to Dilane Bakwa. Bruno Genesio, head of the Lille recruiters, does not seem to regret this absence. The LOSC’s strategy, focused on developing promising young talent and prudent financial management, seems to be the driving force behind their summer mercato.