Manchester United could turn to Lille striker Jonathan David to help alleviate their scoring woes. The Red Devils desperately need offensive reinforcements during the January transfer market. After all, the Premier League team has only managed to score 22 goals in 20 top-flight games this season. Burnley and Sheffield United are the only Premier League clubs who have not beaten United during the current campaign.
FootballTransfers claim that United’s top brass have been monitoring David for quite some time. The club must be careful with its spending amid concerns over Financial Fair Play (FFP). However, the Red Devils will almost certainly have to make a move this month. It has been suggested that Lille would consider an offer of around $43 million for their star striker.
The forward openly hinted at a move to the Premier League
David’s current contract with the French team is set to expire in June 2025. With the striker looking unlikely to sign a new extension, Lille may have to let the star go as early as this month. If they do not sell David, the Ligue 1 club could finally see the Canadian leave on a free transfer at the end of his current contract.
David has also hinted that he would be willing to move away from Lille. The star recently admitted that he follows the Premier League and sees the division as an attractive destination.
“In England, when I watch the games, everything is packed every time. As a player, it motivates you even more,” David said of the English top flight in December.
“I don’t know [about a potential transfer.] I think it is possible, very possible. I don’t know if I can find myself anywhere else other than the Premier League. It could well be the Premier League. It is a very pleasant atmosphere.”
David’s agent Nick Mavromaras also previously stated that a move was likely in the future. “I think the Premier League is a good option for him,” Mavromaras told Radio Canada in 2022.
“I think he likes Spain a lot too because he likes the feel of the ball and the very technical players. “These two leagues are a big priority for him, but he doesn’t exclude anything.”
Other English teams join United in the search for Jonathan David
United, however, will almost certainly face competition for David’s signature. Premier League sides Arsenal and Aston Villa have also been linked with a possible move for the Canadian. Like the Red Devils, Arsenal also need more firepower up front.
Unfortunately, current first-choice striker Gabriel Jesus has had to deal with a number of nagging injuries during his time in north London. The Brazilian even missed his club’s final FA Cup match against Liverpool. Substitute Eddie Nketiah has also not proven to be a legitimate goalscorer.
Villa would be an interesting destination for David. The West Midlands club are currently under Unai Emery. Only Manchester City have managed to score more goals in the Premier League than Villa. However, Ollie Watkins has started every top-flight game so far this season and could do with competition in the position.
David has scored 10 goals in 24 total games for Lille during the current campaign. In total, the Canadian has accumulated 68 goals in 160 games since he moved to the French team in 2020.
PHOTOS: IMAGO.
Charging…
Share This Event