Lille rival Ipswich in race to sign Manchester City’s Divin Mubama
Lille OSC are looking to reconstruct their forward area this summer. Jonathan David has already confirmed his departure from the club, Chuba Akpom is expected to return to parent club Ajax following the expiry of his loan, and Edon Zhegrova is also expected to depart.
Lille may, therefore, be in the market for two centre-forwards this summer. According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, LOSC hold a very strong interest in Manchester City centre-forward Divin Mubama (20). The England youth international joined Manchester City from West Ham United last summer but has found game time hard to come by. Mubama has made just one appearance in the Premier League, although he did start and score in his only FA Cup appearance.
However, Lille may face competition if they wish to sign Mubama, valued at £10m by his current club. Recently relegated Ipswich Town have also recently made contact with Manchester City to understand the terms for a potential deal.
Town are reported to have made an enquiry to Manchester City regarding striker Divin Mubama.
According to Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have made an approach to City requesting terms with the player’s valuation said to be £10 million. Lille are also reported to be keen.
Forest Gate-born Mubama, 20, came through West Ham’s academy and made two senior starts and 16 sub appearances – eight in the Premier League – for the Hammers, scoring once.
In August last year he moved to the Etihad for £2 million in training compensation.
Having been viewed as a signing for the development squad, the 6ft tall frontman made one Premier League sub appearance, coincidentally against Town at Portman Road, and one FA Cup start, in which he scored, during 2024/25.
Mubama has been capped by England at U15, U16, U18, U19 and U20 levels, but also qualifies to play international football for DR Congo.
Town are very much in the market for a number nine this summer with Liam Delap, who they bought from City last summer, set to move to Chelsea for £30 million in the next few days.
This could be an interesting one, another young hungry striker and if a Ligue 1 side like Lille are interested as well, could be worth a punt as another back up to Hirst while he gets some more experience. Admittingly its just an enquiry but Romano is a source I trust when it comes to transfers. Only being 20 too wouldn’t count towards the 25 limit and then as armchair said, get another more experienced striker just to help keep Hirst fresh and injury free
