Sevilla center-back Niangzu joins Lille on a free transfer and will wear the number 23 jersey.

Lille have officially announced the signing of Sevilla centre-back Tanguy Niangzu on a free transfer. The two sides have signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for another year.

The official announcement also confirmed that Niangzu will wear the number 23 jersey for Lille.

Before joining Lille, Niangzu played for Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Sevilla. Plagued by recurring hamstring injuries, he failed to secure consistent playing time at any of his three previous clubs.

According to Transfermarkt statistics, Niangzo has only made 103 appearances since his debut in December 2019, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists. Nevertheless, he has won 8 trophies in his career, including 1 Ligue 1 title, 1 Coupe de France title, 1 Coupe de la Ligue title, 2 Bundesliga titles, 2 German Super Cup titles, and 1 Europa League title.

Regarding the signing, Lille president Olivier Leitao commented: "After several rounds of negotiations, we finally signed Tanguy. His arrival will provide more options for our defense. Tanguy has already demonstrated his ability and potential. We will create the best conditions for him to fully realize his potential, get consistent playing time, and maintain a high level of performance."

“We are familiar with Tanguy’s past. After a thorough assessment of the player’s current situation, we are confident that we can help him regain his best form. Therefore, we will work together with passion, ambition, and trust. Welcome Tanguy to Lille!”

Niangzu said: "My strongest emotion today is joy. I am very happy to have the opportunity to join Lille. I think this is the ideal place for the next stage of my career and it can provide me with the perfect environment for growth. For me, the most important thing is to regain my confidence, smile and playing time, so as to help the team win."

“The communication with the president has always been very frank. He told me from the beginning that Lille’s training methods are unique; I came to Lille hoping to make my contribution. I am also very happy to return to France, to the country where I was born and where I started my football career. I am very much looking forward to seeing my teammates and fans. Now, I am a Lille native!”

Image source: Internet/Lille official website