Lille manager Paulo Fonseca confirms receiving offers from Marseille and Al-Hilal

Speaking to O Jogo, Lille OSC manager Paulo Fonseca confirmed that he received offers from Olympique de Marseille and Al-Hilal this summer. 

In his first season with Lille, he led the club to the Europa Conference League, and that form led to interest from Marseille and Al-Hilal. The former were looking for a replacement for Igor Tudor, who left the club just halfway through his two-year contract. It was Marcelino who ultimately replaced the Croatian in the dugout at the Vélodrome, but it could easily have been Fonseca. 

Club president Olivier Létang confirmed that Marseille had tried to prise Fonseca away from Les Dogues in an interview in July, saying that it was only “normal” that the Portuguese manager would garner interest. In an interview with Portuguese media, Fonseca has also confirmed Marseille’s interest, as well as interest from Saudi Arabia. 

“I am going to be very honest. There were concrete offers from the two clubs you mentioned (Marseille and Al-Hilal). I have always prioritised continuing my career in Europe and in the best leagues,” said Fonseca. Lille currently sit sixth in Ligue 1 with two wins, two draws and one loss in the first five games, however, not all is well at the club with Fonseca voicing frustration in Lille’s summer transfer business publically. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle