Official | Lille sign Norway international Osame Sahraoui from Heerenveen

Only a few hours after announcing the signing of Aïssa Mandi (32) from Villareal, Lille have completed the transfer of Heerenveen’s left winger Osame Sahraoui (23) from Heerenveen on a five-year deal.

Only a few days before facing José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League’s third qualifying round, Lille are pushing forward on the transfer market. After a slow start in July, with only three signings, Ethan Mbappé (17), Ngal’Ayel Mukau (19) and Thomas Meunier (32), all set to have a minor role this, the Northern side have announced two new signings on Thursday. After Aïssa Mandi (32) on a free transfer from Villareal, Les Dogues have completed their first major signing of the summer with the Norwegian left-winger Sahraoui.

Last season, Sahraoui had a standout season at Heerenveen, logging eight goals and four assists. The right-footed winger signed a five-year deal with Lille, who invested €8M to convince Heerenveen to let go of their star player, who had two years remaining on his deal. With Sahraoui’s recruitment, Lille strengthened an offensive unit that had been weakened by the departures of Adam Ounas (27) and Yusuf Yazici (27) following their contract expiry.

GFFN l Grégoire Devaux