Lille succeeds through ingenuity rather than bottomless pockets

Instead, they choose the path of creativity and smart strategy, from financial management to youth player development.

Despite Ligue 1’s reputation for financial inequality, Lille has maintained its position thanks to an efficient business model. Big transfers such as the sale of Victor Osimhen to Napoli for €70 million were considered groundbreaking. However, the truth that was later revealed was shocking: Lille only received €7 million from the deal due to intermediary fees, commissions and capital gains.

President Olivier Létang, in an interview with L'Équipe, explained that although the income from Osimhen was insignificant, Lille was still successful thanks to other transactions such as the sale of Amadou Onana to Everton for 40 million euros or Carlos Baleba to Brighton for 30 million euros. This shows that Lille does not depend on a single deal but focuses on building a long-term strategy to maximize the value of the player.

Lille stands out for its ability to develop young talent, giving them a chance to shine before selling them on for a high price. This model not only helps the team stay competitive but also creates sustainability in a context where many Ligue 1 teams struggle to balance their finances.

Lille’s success was further evidenced by winning the Ligue 1 title in 2020/21, just a year after they sold Osimhen. Despite losing their star player, Lille have maintained a balanced squad and maintained excellent form, demonstrating their ability to manage in the face of financial challenges.

However, the legal issues surrounding the Osimhen deal have raised questions about the transparency of transfer dealings, with both French and Italian courts investigating intermediary fees. Nevertheless, Lille are still seen as a model of efficient and innovative management, especially in a league dominated by PSG.

With PSG possessing almost limitless resources, Lille proves that money is not everything. Creativity, sound strategy and the ability to develop talent are the keys to survival and success. Lille is not only an excellent team, but also an inspiration for many other clubs in Ligue 1 and Europe.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/lille-thanh-cong-tu-su-kheo-leo-thay-vi-tui-tien-khong-day-237296.html