Sevilla move forward in Nianzou exit, with Lille as the destination

Sevilla FC

The economic factor weighs as much as the sporting one in this move. Nianzou's contract runs out in a year and his salary, close to eight million euros gross per season, is one of the burdens the Andalusian club wants to offload this summer.

As reported by Le Petit Lillois, Lille has stepped up the pace of talks to sign the defender. The deal still needs to clear several steps, including medical checks and a final agreement with the player, whose fee remains the most delicate point.

For the Sevilla, the departure of the centre-back would create room in a transfer window shaped by the need to register several signings. Sporting directorate sees that flexibility as a priority, and Nianzou's goodbye fits within the planned moves to adjust the squad.

A return to France to regain continuity

At 24 years old, the defender is looking to feel important again. Another campaign without regular minutes could stall his progress, which is why a return to French football appears as an attractive route to reignite his career.

Nianzou left the youth system of Paris Saint-Germain six years ago. In 2020 he signed for Bayern Munich and, two seasons later, Sevilla paid 16 million euros for his transfer, in addition to add-ons and a percentage of a future sell-on fee that is unlikely to end up being triggered for the German club.

His time at Nervión began with high expectations, but muscular injuries set the tone. Since April 2023, his physical problems, especially in the hamstrings, have prevented him from building continuity and have meant he has missed roughly a third of the team's official matches.

The Lille now presents itself as the most advanced option to move on a player who failed to settle at Sevilla and whose transfer would represent a significant relief on both the sporting and financial fronts for the Andalusian side.