Lille are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Basar Önal from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, according to L’Équipe. The Ligue 1 club are reportedly set to pay €9.5 million, plus potential add-ons, for the 22-year-old Turkey youth international.
The move represents a significant step up for Önal, who has impressed in the Eredivisie. He joined NEC Nijmegen from De Graafschap in the summer of 2024 for a fee of €1 million and quickly established himself as a key player. Last season, the right-footed winger, often deployed on the left, directly contributed to 15 goals, scoring seven and providing eight assists, helping NEC secure a third-place finish in the Dutch top flight.
Lille have already been active in the transfer window, recently announcing the signing of young Swiss left-back Loun Srdanovic. The pursuit of Önal suggests the club is looking to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the new season. Lille finished fourth in Ligue 1 last term, missing out on Champions League qualification, and will be aiming to challenge at the top of the table again next campaign.
Önal’s arrival at Lille would provide competition for places in the wide areas and offer manager Paulo Fonseca another attacking threat. His ability to play on either flank adds tactical flexibility to the squad. The potential add-ons included in the deal suggest Lille are confident Önal will make a significant impact at the club, and the transfer fee reflects his growing reputation as a promising talent in European football. This transfer could be a key addition for Lille as they aim to secure a Champions League spot next season.
