If the LOSC experiences a radiant 2024/2025 exercise, it owes it largely to Lucas Chevalier. Installed in the Lille cages since his return from Valenciennes loan in 2022, the 23 -year -old goalkeeper has a simply exceptional season. Crowned from the title of Best Ligue 1 goalkeeper this Sunday evening during the UNFP trophies presentation, the last rampart formed with the Pierre Mauroy residents impressed week after week. If he has already displayed a level above the average for the past two years, the native of Calais has crossed a huge course this season, whether in terms of performance or acquired experience, with in particular the discovery of the Champions League, but also of the French team.
Qualified for the 2024/2024 edition of the Cup with the big ears, the DOGUES made an absolutely sensational European epic. While many promised hell to northerners after the Play-Off phase draw, Bruno Genesio's players finished in an incredible 7th place, among other things, thanks to a great Lucas Chevalier. The Lille porter can boast of finishing the meeting against Real Madrid without having conceded the slightest goal, but also to be left of the Metropolitano and Anfield having seen his nets only tremble once, making XXL matches in each of these confrontations. While his arrival in the French team seemed to be only a matter of time, Chevalier was for the first time called by Didier Deschamps last November, then in March. If he has not yet disputed the slightest minute, he could well come to overshadow Mike Maignan, as his admirers are numerous. And some are across the Channel.
Direction the Premier League for Lucas Chevalier?
Young and talented, Lucas Chevalier necessarily attracts many lusts. In recent months, he has seen his name be associated with two European heavyweights: PSG, as well as Manchester United. If in the case of French champions, the awakening of Gianluigi Donnarumma ended up calming the rumors, the last difficult weeks of André Onana in the goals of the Red Devils could, on the contrary, push the Mancunian leaders to come and draw in the north of France. And obviously, the interested party would not be insensitive to a proposal from England.
On the sidelines of the UNFP trophy ceremony, Lucas Chevalier could be questioned about his future. And among the four major foreign championships, it is the one won by Liverpool this season which seems to have the most effect of the goalkeeper linked to LOSC until 2027: “ The Premier League? It is a championship that makes you dream, the most attractive. When we see Tottenham, Manchester United who struggled with dingo players, we see the “level” a bit. I have 2 years of contract, and then you know the president (laughs). I did not have specific proposals from this country, but it makes you think. One thing is certain, the decision that will be made by the native of Calais is likely to be difficult. A qualification of the LOSC for the Queen of European competitions next season could surely tip the scales in favor of the club chaired by Olivier Létang, but there is no doubt that sirens from Premier League would not leave the Lille wall indifferent.
