Jonathan David has officially closed his chapter with Lille after five seasons, announcing in an emotional Instagram video that he won’t renew his contract and will leave as a free agent this summer. “Everything has a beginning and an end. It’s time to say goodbye,” said the 25-year-old Canadian striker, who leaves his mark with 109 goals in 231 appearances for Les Dogues. A Ligue 1 champion in 2021, David now sets his sights on a new challenge at the top level of European football.

Barça keeping a close eye with Competition from across Europe

FC Barcelona sees David as a perfect opportunity to strengthen their front line without paying a transfer fee. The club’s sporting director Deco is on the lookout for a number 9 who can share the load with Robert Lewandowski and eventually take over when the Polish striker’s contract expires in 2026. Given Barça’s financial limitations, signing a young, high-potential forward on a free transfer would be an ideal solution.

Jonathan David has attracted plenty of interest throughout the season. Besides Barça, he’s also being tracked by Juventus, Napoli, West Ham, and several Premier League clubs. However, the player himself has already made his dream destination known: “I grew up watching a lot of LaLiga and it’s my favorite league. Barça was the team I supported as a kid. When you grow up supporting a club, you dream of playing for them,” he said in a past interview.

A proven goal scorer

Beyond the emotional connection, David also brings real firepower. He has scored 25 goals in 48 games this season, including key goals in the Champions League against the likes of Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid. His consistent performances over five years in France have placed him among the league’s top scorers, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable and versatile striker.

Now it’s up to Barcelona. With the chance to land a hungry, internationally experienced forward for free, the club must decide whether Jonathan David is the right man to inherit the number 9 shirt—or risk losing him to rival clubs already moving to snap him up.