Himad Abdelli, one of Angers SCO’s standout performers this season, could soon swap a relegation battle for European football, as Lille have reportedly tabled a bid for the Algerian international.
With just a three-point cushion above the relegation zone, Angers remain locked in a tense struggle to retain their Ligue 1 status.
Despite the narrow margin, the club’s superior goal difference offers a glimmer of hope as they prepare for a tough run-in, which includes matches against Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon and relegation rivals Nantes.
Central to their survival hopes is Abdelli, who has played a pivotal role in midfield throughout the campaign.
The 25-year-old playmaker has recorded six goals and one assist, contributing significantly to Angers’ attacking output.
However, both his form and that of the team have dipped in recent weeks, with SCO suffering six defeats in their last eight matches.
Even amid this difficult stretch, Abdelli’s technical quality and creativity have not gone unnoticed.
Lille, currently in the hunt for a Champions League place, have made their interest official, submitting a reported €8 million offer to Angers.
The bid was rejected, according to Africafoot.com, but it highlights Abdelli’s growing stature in the French top flight.
A move to Lille would mark a considerable step up for the midfielder, especially with Rémy Cabella expected to depart Les Dogues at the end of the season.
With Lille pushing for a top-four finish, their interest in Abdelli could intensify in the coming weeks particularly with the two clubs set to meet in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter this weekend.
The timing of the reported offer adds further intrigue. Abdelli is expected to line up against his potential future employers in a fixture that could heavily influence both Angers’ fight for survival and Lille’s pursuit of European qualification.
The match may also serve as a litmus test for whether Abdelli can thrive in a more competitive and high-pressure environment.
The attacking midfielder, who wears the No. 10 shirt, has long been linked with a move to Olympique de Marseille, but Lille’s concrete approach signals a new chapter in the race for his signature.
For Angers, holding onto their key playmaker until the end of the season is vital, but they may be forced to reconsider their stance should a larger offer emerge or should relegation become a reality.
At international level, Abdelli represents Algeria and has steadily built a reputation as one of Ligue 1’s more technically gifted midfielders outside the traditional top-tier clubs.
A move to Lille would not only give him the platform to showcase his talents on the European stage but also bolster his chances of becoming a regular fixture in the Algerian national team setup.
For now, Abdelli remains committed to Angers’ survival mission, but with the summer transfer window approaching, the spotlight on his next move continues to grow.
As one of the few bright spots in an otherwise challenging season for SCO, his future is likely to be one of the key storylines to follow in the weeks ahead.
