Lille Closing In on Deal to Bring Giroud Back to French Football

Olivier Giroud might have only just settled into life in Los Angeles, but there are growing whispers that the veteran French striker could soon be heading back to Europe. The 38-year-old joined LAFC from AC Milan midway through 2024. But now, Ligue 1 side Lille are circling — and a return to France might be on the cards.

According to Foot Mercato, Lille have reached a verbal agreement with Giroud as they push to bring him home. That would mark his first stint in Ligue 1 since 2012, when he left Montpellier for Arsenal after firing them to the title. While his career numbers speak for themselves — including being France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 57 international goals — Giroud hasn’t exactly lit up MLS. He’s scored just three times in 20 league appearances for LAFC and only opened his account in his 16th outing. In total, he has five goals in 37 matches across all competitions for the club. 

Still, his experience, leadership, and reputation are exactly what Lille are looking for. Club president Olivier Létang reportedly told L’Equipe that Giroud “has everything we are looking for in terms of play, experience, demands, but also human values.” Talks have apparently been underway for a few weeks now, and the mood around the negotiations is said to be positive. The biggest obstacle may be financial. Giroud currently earns a guaranteed $3.68 million per year at LAFC as a designated player, a figure that could be difficult for Lille to match unless some compromises are made. 

Giroud’s time in LA has been mixed. While he helped LAFC win the U.S. Open Cup, he’s struggled to cement a consistent starting spot under head coach Steve Cherundolo. Last season, he went goalless in 10 league games and finished with just two goals in 19 matches overall. 

A move to Lille would offer the chance for one last European chapter — and possibly a shot at European competition again, as the club secured a spot in the 2025/26 Europa League with a fifth-place finish in Ligue 1. For Giroud, whose trophy cabinet already includes a World Cup, Champions League, and multiple domestic titles, a move back to France could be more than sentimental — it might just be a fitting final act. 

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