Wissem Chaouali: Tunisian Al-Ettifaq defender linked with Lille move

Wissem Chaouali, the Tunisian centre-back currently at Al-Ettifaq, is being linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Lille as the French club assess defensive options for the new season.

The 19-year-old has spent this campaign gaining senior experience in Saudi Arabias second tier, making seven league appearances and playing 500 minutes for Al-Jubail in the Saudi First Division before returning to his parent club at the end of his loan. Lille are understood to be tracking his development as they explore cost-effective additions at the back, with Chaoualis current market valuation at around 25,000.

Chaouali officially stepped up from Al-Ettifaqs U19s to the first team last summer, before heading out on loan to Al-Jubail in September to secure regular game time. His spell concluded with a return to Al-Ettifaq at the end of June, putting his immediate future on the agenda as European clubs move through their summer planning.

Born on 10 September 2006, the Tunisia defender only joined Al-Ettifaqs youth ranks in 2024 from St. Tunisiens U19 side, progressing quickly into the senior set-up in Dammam. A move to Lille would represent his first venture into European football.

Chaoualis contract details at Al-Ettifaq have not been made public, but with the player now back from loan and valued modestly, his situation is expected to be monitored closely as Lille weigh up whether to turn their interest into a formal approach.