Lille eye Bosnian striker Tabaković as potential Giroud replacement
French Ligue 1 side Lille are reportedly interested in signing Bosnian striker Haris Tabaković from German club TSG Hoffenheim this summer. According to the Bosnian newspaper Sport Sport, the 31-year-old forward is high on the shortlist at LOSC Lille as the club considers long-term attacking options.
The interest is said to stem from the uncertain future of veteran striker Olivier Giroud. The 39-year-old Frenchman, who returned to Lille last season, is yet to confirm whether he will continue playing or retire, leaving the club to evaluate potential successors. Sources at Sport Sport indicate that Tabaković is viewed as a player who fits a similar profile to Giroud, capable of leading the line and holding up play as a traditional center-forward.
Tabaković is currently on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach from Hoffenheim, where he has a contract until 2025. He has been a rare bright spot in a difficult season for Gladbach, who are fighting against relegation from the Bundesliga. The striker has scored 11 goals across all competitions this campaign, demonstrating the consistent scoring form he previously showed during a prolific spell with Hertha Berlin in the 2. Bundesliga.
When recently questioned about his future by the German tabloid BILD, Tabaković remained non-committal. "No, there are no talks. And if there are no talks, I don't really need to worry. I still have a year left on my contract in Hoffenheim," he said. This suggests formal negotiations between Lille and Hoffenheim have not yet begun, with any move likely to be another loan or a permanent transfer.
For Lille, securing a player of Tabaković's experience and physical profile would provide a ready-made solution should Giroud depart. The Bosnian international's proven goal record in Germany, albeit primarily in the second division, suggests he could adapt to Ligue 1's demands. For Hoffenheim, a loan or sale would offload a player who is not in their immediate plans, while for Tabaković, a move to a club competing in European competitions would represent a significant step up.
The potential transfer hinges on Giroud's final decision and Lille's assessment of their striker options. With the summer window approaching, Tabaković has emerged as a concrete target for a club seeking to maintain its competitive edge without relying on its aging icon. His immediate focus remains on helping Borussia Mönchengladbach secure their Bundesliga status, but a productive end to the season could accelerate interest from France.
