Lille have completed the signing of Turkish winger Basar Önal from Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen for a fee of €9.5 million, with a further €2.5 million in potential bonuses, the club confirmed. Önal has signed a four-year contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.
The 22-year-old primarily plays as a right winger but has frequently featured on the left side for Nijmegen. Last season, he scored seven goals and registered eight assists in the Eredivisie, playing a key role in the club’s third-place finish and qualification for European competition. Nijmegen originally acquired Önal from De Graafschap for €1 million in the summer of 2024.
Lille president Olivier Létang expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, stating that Önal “presents a profile capable of bringing complementary qualities to the team, in a season that will be dense.” This suggests the club anticipates a challenging campaign with involvement in multiple competitions. Lille finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification.
Lille have been active in the transfer window, also announcing the signing of young Swiss left-back Loun Srdanovic on Monday. The club is reportedly continuing its pursuit of Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël, indicating a desire to strengthen the squad further ahead of the new season. Önal’s arrival provides Lille with additional attacking options and depth in wide areas, potentially increasing competition for places within the squad.
Önal has represented Turkey at under-21 level and will be looking to establish himself as a key player in Lille’s first team. The move to a top-five league represents a significant step up in his career, offering him the opportunity to showcase his talent on a larger stage. His pace and creativity could prove valuable assets for Lille as they aim to challenge for a Champions League spot next season.
