With Nicolas Pépé expected to leave Lille this summer, the club’s management has already begun the search for a successor capable of filling the enormous void the Ivorian star will leave behind. After an exceptional season that ended with qualification for the Champions League, Lille are determined not to weaken their attacking line. On the contrary, Les Dogues want to continue building a competitive squad able to perform both domestically and on the European stage. In that context, the name of Dodi Lukebakio has quickly emerged as a leading target.
According to several French media outlets, Lille’s sporting directors are showing strong interest in the Belgian forward of Congolese origin, who enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf. Although he belongs to Watford, Lukebakio spent the season in the Bundesliga, where he made a significant impact with his pace, power, and efficiency in front of goal. His performances did not go unnoticed, and Lille now reportedly see him as their top priority to replace Pépé.
The interest is no longer merely exploratory. According to L’Équipe, Lille have already taken a concrete step forward by submitting an initial contract proposal to Lukebakio’s representatives. The offer reportedly includes a long-term deal, a sign that the club views the 21-year-old not as a short-term solution, but as a central figure in their future project. Watford, however, are in no rush to sell cheaply. The English club is said to be demanding around €12 million to part ways with their player, a fee Lille are carefully evaluating as they prepare for what promises to be a busy transfer window.
Lille’s strategy is clear: reinvest wisely the funds expected from Pépé’s transfer to secure young, high-potential talents capable of maintaining the club’s upward trajectory. Lukebakio fits that profile perfectly. Still only 21, he already has experience in several leagues and has demonstrated an ability to adapt quickly. His season in Germany was particularly convincing, as he emerged as one of Fortuna Düsseldorf’s key attacking weapons.
In 34 appearances across all competitions this season, Lukebakio scored 14 goals and delivered 5 assists, impressive numbers for a player discovering the Bundesliga. Beyond statistics, he stood out for his explosiveness on the wings, his willingness to take on defenders, and his knack for appearing in decisive areas. These qualities naturally draw comparisons with Pépé, whose departure Lille are preparing for both sporting and tactical reasons.
However, Lille are far from alone in the race. The player’s profile has attracted the attention of several European clubs. Olympique Lyonnais are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they look to reinforce their own attacking options. In Germany, Schalke 04 are also said to be keen, eager to keep Lukebakio in the Bundesliga after his successful loan spell. This competition could complicate negotiations and potentially drive up the asking price.
For Lille, the coming weeks will therefore be crucial. The club must balance ambition with financial prudence while moving quickly enough to avoid being overtaken by rivals. Securing Lukebakio would send a strong signal ahead of their return to the Champions League: that Lille intend not merely to participate, but to remain a serious force in French football. Whether they can convince Watford and the player himself remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Dodi Lukebakio is rapidly becoming one of the most coveted young attackers of this transfer window.
