A former World Cup winner is expected to leave MLS imminently and make a move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues.
Olivier Giroud is expected to leave Los Angeles FC after only a year.
The former Chelsea striker departed AC Milan in July 2024 after three seasons with the Rossoneri.
Giroud played 10 times for the Los Angeles outfit, scoring none, but has netted three times in the same number of MLS games this year.
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In total, the Frenchman has scored five times in 37 appearances for LAFC.
Giroud to leave MLS
However, two months after becoming the oldest European to score in Major League Soccer, the 38-year-old is expected to depart the United States.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the former France international is set to return to Europe this summer, with Ligue 1 side Lille nearing a deal for the experienced forward.
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If the deal materialises, Giroud would be returning to Ligue 1 for the first time since 2012 when he left Montpellier after a 21-goal top-flight title-winning campaign.
The report suggests that the 2018 World Cup winner and 2021 Champions League winner is keen to return to Europe, thereby welcoming a switch to one of the big divisions on the continent.
Lille, who ended fifth in Ligue 1 last season, are competing in the Europa League in the 2025-26 campaign.
What’s next for Lille?
Lille's first game in pre-season pits them against Gent, but the French side will take on Amiens and West Ham United in the off-season in preparation for the start of next term.
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