Nabil Bentaleb favors Lille over Lyon transfer

Nabil Bentaleb’s future appears far more likely to stay linked with Lille than to shift to Lyon, despite the OL’s interest.

The Algerian midfielder is out of contract, but the latest reports indicate he still favors extending his stay at LOSC rather than starting a new chapter elsewhere.

Lyon had hoped to use the opportunity to make a smart market move and add a versatile midfielder who could strengthen Paulo Fonseca’s options. Bentaleb was seen as a possible solution to support or challenge the likes of Morton and Bidstrup, but the deal has not gained momentum.

The main problem is not sporting fit, but money. Negotiations between Bentaleb and Lille are still blocked, even though both sides seem to want the same thing: to continue together. That leaves the door slightly open for Lyon in theory, yet the player’s preference still points clearly toward the north of France.

At 31, Bentaleb is in a hurry to settle his situation after a busy summer with Algeria at the 2026 World Cup. Unless there is a major change, Lyon may have to look elsewhere, while Lille keep working to secure one of their most important players.