Lille Eye Borussia Mönchengladbach Striker Haris Tabakovic as Potential Giroud Successor
Lille are considering a move for Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Haris Tabakovic as a potential long-term replacement for veteran forward Olivier Giroud, according to reports. The Bosnian international, currently on loan at Gladbach from Hoffenheim, has emerged as a target for the Ligue 1 side as they plan for the future of their attack.
According to Bosnian outlet Sport Sport, the 31-year-old striker is high on the shortlist of the French club. Lille are understood to be preparing for the eventual departure of club legend Olivier Giroud, whose future at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy remains uncertain as his contract expires this summer. The 39-year-old World Cup winner has not yet decided whether to continue his playing career, leaving Lille to explore potential successors.
Tabakovic, currently in the midst of a season-long loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach from TSG Hoffenheim, has emerged as a key target. The Bosnian forward has scored 11 goals across all competitions for the Bundesliga side this season, demonstrating the physical and aerial presence that makes him a stylistic fit for Lille's system. His profile as a traditional, physical target man is seen as a natural fit to potentially replace Giroud, who has played a similar role for Lille since his return to France.
The potential move would require Lille to negotiate with Hoffenheim, as Tabakovic remains under contract with the Bundesliga club until 2026. He is currently in the second season of a two-year loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he has become a crucial figure in their battle against relegation. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with his goal-scoring form putting him on the radar of several clubs, Lille among them.
In a recent interview with German newspaper Bild, Tabakovic remained coy about his future, stating, "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." This suggests that while Lille's interest is firm, no formal negotiations have commenced. The player's immediate focus remains on helping Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga, where his goals have been vital in their fight to avoid the drop.
For Lille, securing a long-term successor for Giroud is a key strategic objective. The French club has a history of identifying and developing talent, and Tabakovic, at 31, offers a blend of experience and a proven goal-scoring record in the German top flight. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game makes him a potential like-for-like replacement for the veteran Frenchman. The potential transfer would represent a significant step for Tabakovic, offering him a prominent role in a team consistently competing for European qualification in Ligue 1.
