The Nervión club is confident of unlocking the departure of the French defender before Sunday, a key operation to ease the salary cap and register new signings. However, the president of Lille maintains uncertainty.
The Sevilla FC is facing crucial hours to finalise the departure of Tanguy Nianzou to Lille. The French club set this weekend as the deadline to sign the deal, after the defender passed all medical tests. However, Lille's president, Olivier Létang, keeps the suspense: "We are still talking," he stated, leaving a transfer that Nervión considers vital to balance the accounts and register reinforcements for the upcoming season up in the air.
A history of injuries raises doubts at Lille
The main obstacle for Lille to give the definitive yes is Nianzou's extensive injury history. The 22-year-old centre-back has barely been able to play regular minutes since his arrival at Sevilla in 2022, hampered by muscular and knee problems. Although he successfully passed the medical examination in France, the French club fears that his physical fragility could hinder the investment.
Meanwhile, Sevilla is optimistic but cautious. The operation, which would be around 15 million euros, would allow the club to free up salary mass and generate cash in a market where sales are slower than expected. Nianzou's departure is one of the priorities for the sporting director, Víctor Orta, who needs to close several exits as soon as possible to register new signings ahead of the start of LaLiga.
"We are negotiating, but nothing is closed yet. We must wait," club sources from Sevilla acknowledge.
Sevilla racing against time to register their reinforcements
The sale of Nianzou is not the only one Sevilla is working on. The club is also working on the departures of Juanlu Sánchez and forward Akor Adams, whose transfer to Venezia is pending a final obstacle. However, Nianzou's case is the most urgent due to the player's high salary and because Lille is the only club that has shown firm interest.
The salary cap imposed by LaLiga forces Sevilla to sell before they can register their new signings, including forward Patrik Mercado and midfielder José Ignacio Navarro, whose signing is still up in the air. Time is running out and the transfer market closes at the end of August, but Sevilla needs liquidity as soon as possible to avoid repeating last season's struggles.
For Sevilla fans, the uncertainty is at its peak. The possible departure of Nianzou, a player for whom 16 million euros were paid three years ago, would mean a financial loss, but it would also relieve financial pressure. Additionally, it would free up a high wage that could be allocated to a reliable reinforcement for the defence, one of the lines most affected by injuries last season.
Lille holds the final word
Lille's president, Olivier Létang, is in the French city finalising the contract details. According to sources close to the negotiation, the French club wants to ensure that Nianzou does not have any hidden injuries and has requested additional medical reports. The final decision is expected on Saturday or Sunday, just before Sevilla begins its pre-season tour in the United States.
Meanwhile, a tense calm reigns in the Andalusian capital. Sporting director, Víctor Orta, has made it clear that the operation is "a priority" and that everything possible is being done to close it. "We are working to ensure that the player can join his new team as soon as possible, and we can focus on those coming in," he stated in comments to the club's media.
Time is running out and Sevilla needs a happy ending to this saga. If Lille takes the step, Nianzou will head to France and the Nervión club will be able to breathe a sigh of relief. If not, alternatives will need to be sought in a market that does not forgive doubts.
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