Olivier Giroud going home? LAFC star reportedly set to cut MLS adventure short and return to Ligue 1 after agreeing surprise transfer

Giroud is on the verge of returning to France after a disappointing spell with Los Angeles FC. According to Footmercato, the 38-year-old striker has reached an agreement with Lille over a one-year contract, with an option to extend for another season. While his deal with LAFC runs until December, both parties are expected to part ways soon so that he can complete the transfer.

The former Arsenal striker's MLS stint didn’t quite live up to expectations. Despite winning the 2024 U.S. Open Cup and competing in the Club World Cup, he managed just five goals and three assists in 37 appearances. Les Dogues need a replacement for the outgoing Jonathan David, and they see Giroud as a short-term solution to bring experience and quality to their attack as they aim to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish in Ligue 1.

It has been 12 years since Giroud last played in the French top-flight, having left Montpellier to join Arsenal after winning the Ligue 1 title in 2011-12.

Lille president Olivier Letang has already confirmed the club's interest in him, saying: "I’d love to see him join us. He brings everything we seek, tactical fit, experience, high standards, and great human values. But he belongs to another club, and I don’t see how it could happen easily."

Ther Frenchman must finalize his LAFC exit before completing the move. If all goes as planned, he’ll sign with Lille in the coming days, marking an emotional homecoming and potentially his final chapter in top-flight football.