Lille extend contract of midfielder eyed by Manchester United

Lille are one of many teams striving for success in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season.

The league, which has teams such as Paris Saint Germain and Marseille in, is currently approaching the midway point and is starting to take a real shape showing which teams could be in contention for Europe and which could be in trouble of relegation.

For Lille, who currently sit fourth in the French top division having picked up 29 points and having won nine games, the former is starting to look more likely.

But, with the January window approaching and with the success of the team apparent, teams could look towards the side for players that could boost their team ahead of the second half of the season.

Therefore, for the Ligue 1 outfit, the retention of players could be just as important as recruitment in the upcoming January window.

Now, in the bid for retention, the side have extended the contract of a player eyed by Manchester United.

Unveiling the extension on their official website, Lille have extended the contract of Ayyoub Bouaddi until June of 2029.

Bouaddi has been at the centre of a transfer saga with United named as one of five Premier League teams including leaders Arsenal and local rivals Manchester United to be eyeing the midfielder.

Speaking about the extension, Lille’s president Olivier Letang stated: “The extension of Ayyoub’s contract is a very emotional moment for us, given the strong bond we share.

“First and foremost, it’s a deep and special human connection. 

“Ayyoub is a crucial player in our squad.

“Through his values ​​and talent, he embodies the excellence of LOSC’s youth academy, which shapes not only footballers but also men.”

With Ayyoub Bouaddi now securing a contract extention, the chances of United signing him can be said to have decreased.