Barcelona told ASTRONOMICAL cost of 'free' Jonathan David

Tom Weber

Updated: 19 Nov 2024 13:03 GMT
3 min read

Jonathan David, Lille, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Jonathan David's next contract will amount to a whopping €80 million, according to a report.

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The Lille striker will be a free agent next summer and he is set to be one of the most in-demand players around Europe. David is in red-hot form and has been one of the continent's most reliable goalscorers since his Gent days in the late 2010s.

David has been linked with every European giant under the sun, including Premier League clubs such as Chelsea and Man Utd. However, on Monday, it became clear that Barcelona, another one of his suitors, may have an edge over the competition.

In an interview with The Athletic, the 24-year-old revealed that he dreams of suiting up in the famous Blaugrana shirt. “Barcelona was always the team I grew up supporting. When you grow up supporting a team, it’s your dream to play for them," he said.

However, despite his move being a 'free' transfer, he will be anything but a bargain.

David to cost €80m

At least that is according to Sky Germany, which claims to know the details of the Canada international's demands. After revealing that his agent is busy talking to clubs, the outlet asserted that the full value of David's next contract would amount to at least €80 million.

The striker's next deal is expected to run for at least four years, though the report did not reveal exactly how they arrived at this figure. The only further information provided states that the €80m already includes agent commissions and a potential signing-on fee.

David is currently thought to be on an annual salary just short of €2m at Lille, so he will surely be in line for a significant pay rise at his next club. Despite his love for Barcelona, it is not yet clear if the Catalans will open talks with the striker in 2025.