Manchester United target Jonathan David explains rejecting Premier League move for Lille

Jonathan David has revealed he turned down a move to the Premier League in favour of Lille due to concerns over playing time.

The 20-year-old made a name for himself at Belgian side Gent, scoring 18 goals in 27 Pro League appearances last term.

And with 11 goals in 12 international games for Canada, it’s clear that David has an eye for goal which justifies why he was on Manchester United’s radar and probably still is!

The striker had been tracked by Arsenal, as per The Express, but there was also reported interest from the Red Devils (via HLN) and newly promoted Leeds United (via Leeds Live).

David doesn’t reveal which Premier League club he turned down, but it was Lille who signed the talented Canadian for a reported €31.5m transfer fee, as reported by GOAL.

David had admitted the thinking behind his decision was based on where he could gain the most playing time. He feels Ligue 1 will give him a greater chance to show his quality on a regular basis, for now.

‘Everyone knows the Premier League is a high-quality league,’ he told France Bleu Nord.

‘But my choice was dictated by the fact that above all, I wanted to be sure of playing.

‘My choice was made quite early. But I understand that it took a little while to finalise between the two clubs.

‘Gent wanted to keep me one more season, but I had made my choice and they respected it.

 

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‘I always knew it was going to be done, even if it took a little while. I really liked the sports project that Luis Campos [Lille’s sporting director] and the club management sold to me.

‘That’s really what encouraged me to join Lille. In fact, I especially wanted to join a club where I know that I will keep playing and getting better.

‘There is a very good team here with very good players.’

It looks Lille have got themselves a really good striker and I’m sure there will be plenty of big clubs watching to see if David can replicate his form for Gent in the French league.

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