Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumaré has opened up about his situation at Lille following a failed move to Newcastle United in January.
Soumaré has found himself out of favour at the French club over the last month after turning down a move to the Premier League in the winter window.
Newcastle were willing to pay €45m for his services, but the youngster wasn’t interested, instead deciding to stay in France.
He’s not played a game for Lille since, with reports this week indicating that he was being punished for turning down a move that would have represented a big payout for the French side.
Talks between the player, his representatives and the club have been ongoing for several weeks, with Soumaré even writing an apology letter to Lille president Gérard Lopez to try and resolve the issue.
That’s now been sorted, according to L’Equipe, who say the conflict around the rejection of that Newcastle bid have been ‘ironed out’.
Indeed, Soumaré has even released a statement on the club’s website as a way of putting the episode behind him.
“We needed to talk to each other to resolve a situation concerning the management and development of my career,” explains Soumaré.
“Now it’s settled. We need to move forward. We need to take three points on Saturday to reach our podium ambitions. That’s all I’m interested in.
“I’m really very happy to be at the LOSC. There’s an extraordinary project here for the young players!
“It’s also a balance with more experienced players who allow us to develop on a daily basis.
“I hope we end up on the podium, that we can get back to the C1 for our fans. I’m confident in the club’s project and that of its president, Gerard Lopez.
“My agents and I are working hand in hand and in good understanding with the club.”
