Ivorian-born defender Tanguy Nianzou closes in on Lille move from Sevilla

Lille are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Ivorian-born defender Tanguy Nianzou after reaching an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of the central defender.

According to Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 club has successfully negotiated a deal with the Spanish side, leaving only the final formalities before the move can be completed.

The 24-year-old is now expected to return to French football, subject to the successful completion of his medical examination.

Sevilla are understood to have accepted the transfer as part of their efforts to reduce the club’s wage bill ahead of the new season.

With only one year remaining on Nianzou’s current contract, the Andalusian side reportedly decided not to stand in the player’s way and were willing to negotiate an agreement with Lille.

For Lille, the move represents an important step in strengthening their defensive options before the start of the upcoming campaign.

The club entered the transfer market in search of reinforcements following the departures of Chancel Mbemba and Aïssa Mandi, creating vacancies at the heart of the defence.

Nianzou has emerged as the preferred candidate to fill that gap, with his experience across several of Europe’s top leagues viewed as a valuable addition to the squad.

The defender began his football development in the academy of Paris Saint-Germain before moving abroad to continue his career. He has since represented Bayern Munich and Sevilla, building significant experience at the highest level of European football.

Across those three clubs, Nianzou has accumulated more than 100 professional appearances, giving him a level of experience that Lille believe can strengthen their defensive unit.

Before the transfer can be officially confirmed, the former Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate must complete a medical examination, which has already been arranged according to the report.

That process is expected to be the final stage before contracts are signed and the deal is formally announced.

If everything proceeds as planned, Nianzou will complete his return to Ligue 1 after spells in Germany and Spain, becoming another addition to Lille’s squad as the club prepares for the challenges of the new season.

With an agreement between the clubs already reportedly in place, only the remaining administrative procedures separate the Ivorian-born defender from becoming a Lille player.