LOSC Lille secure promising Congolese midfielder David Mpenzi Ntumwa from AC UJANA
Eighteen-year-old Congolese midfielder David Mpenzi Ntumwa has officially signed with French Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille, departing Congolese club AC UJANA to begin the next chapter of his burgeoning football career in Europe.
Mpenzi Ntumwa, who honed his craft in Kinshasa with AC UJANA’s youth setup, is expected to join Lille’s reserve team in the fifth tier of French football, National 3.
The move is viewed as a pivotal step in the player’s development, offering him both the structure and competitive environment to transition into European football.
Although the young midfielder’s immediate future lies with the reserves, his arrival has been marked as part of Lille’s ongoing strategy to scout and nurture emerging talent from across Africa.
The northern French club has long been recognized for investing in youth and has gained a reputation for developing players capable of progressing to the top level.
For Mpenzi Ntumwa, the transfer represents a significant opportunity to refine his skills and adapt to the tactical and physical demands of the European game.
Still only 18, the move gives him time to acclimatize and develop at a steady pace within a professional setting, away from the pressures of top-flight expectations.
AC UJANA, known in the Democratic Republic of Congo for its commitment to youth development, has expressed pride in seeing one of its own secure a move to a prominent European club.
The transfer marks a milestone for the Kinshasa-based outfit, whose youth system continues to draw attention from international scouts.
Mpenzi Ntumwa’s playing style has been noted for its composure in midfield, with a strong work ethic and technical intelligence that belies his age.
His transition to France will test those attributes in a more demanding and structured football environment, offering a platform for growth under the guidance of Lille’s coaching staff.
The move is also emblematic of a growing pipeline between African academies and European clubs, as more teams invest in identifying raw talent earlier in their development.
LOSC Lille’s recruitment of Mpenzi Ntumwa falls in line with that vision, aiming to groom future first-team contributors while continuing to strengthen their presence in the African football market.
As the teenager begins this new phase of his career, expectations remain grounded. He will start with Lille’s reserve squad, where he will be given the chance to build confidence, learn the club’s system, and adjust to life both on and off the pitch in France.
The transition from Congolese domestic football to a European setup is never without its challenges, but for Mpenzi Ntumwa, it signals a dream in motion—a chance to learn, grow, and one day compete at the highest levels of the game.
His progress at Lille will be closely followed, both by supporters in France and back home in the DR Congo, where he already serves as an inspiration to many aspiring young footballers.
