AC Milan remain convinced by the idea of signing Jonathan David and they believe they can get him for a much lower price than what Lille quotes teams in the summer, a report claims.
Calciomercato.com write how ‘history teaches us and repeats itself’ that Lille discover talents, Serie A buys them and their value explodes. This has been the trend of the last few seasons in which Rafael Leao, Victor Osimhen and Mike Maignan – all included in the best XI for 2022-23 at the Gran Gala del Calcio on Monday night – have shown and continue to show their ability.
In recent years, Lille have been one of the best clubs in the world when it comes to scouting, developing and promoting talent. Leao was signed from Sporting CP for €20m and was sold to Milan in the summer of 2019 for €35m. Today the Portuguese winger is one of the top players in Serie A and his value market value, according to Transfermarkt, amounts to €90m.
Osimhen was signed from RSC Charleroi for €22m and he was sold to Napoli in the summer of 2020 for €75m. Today the Nigerian – in the sights of top clubs – is among the most prolific strikers around Europe and could fetch €120m.
The latest masterpiece performed by the Lille management is Mike Maignan, signed from PSG for €1m and sold to Milan for €15m. Today, the French goalkeeper – in the sights of Bayern Munich – has a market value of €45m and is the best in his position in the league, arguably in the world.
Could the next stroke of genius be Jonathan David? The Canadian striker amassed 24 goals and four assists in 37 league games last season, while this season he has four goals in the first 14. The 23-year-old’s exciting performances have attracted the interest of several clubs , including Milan.
The Rossoneri want him ahead of the January transfer window as they are looking for a striker to partner Olivier Giroud. Lille purchased the Canadian from Gent for €27m, and while the figure he ends up going for remains to be seen, history suggests it would be a wise investment.
So a 6’3 winger and 6’4 winger both with blistering pace and insane technique, and who are world class, are the inspiration to sign a player as a #9 who is nothing like the aforementioned and whose record is padded by a season in which he scored 10 penalties?
Makes perfect sense to me.
I’m sure he is amazing at getting to first base.
I don’t think we have time to wait and see whether David was a two-season-wonder or will he become a solid, +20 goals per season type of guy. What this season has showed is that he doesn’t give guarantees at all. And we need a guaranteed goal poacher. No more lazetices, jovices, matris, kalinicis etc. We need another Giroud. Or even better. We need a 20 goals per season guy. Now. Not in 3-4 years. And frankly… I don’t think David will ever become one. His peak is already past him and he’ll turn into a “~10 goals per season” striker.- Not good enough.