The world champion who makes a statement with a return to Europe.

French World Cup winner Olivier Giroud is set to make a swift return to European football, with a deal for the veteran striker to join Lille OSC now officially confirmed. The move signals an end to his tenure with MLS side LAFC, where he spent just over one season.

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The transfer has been finalized as a "here we go!" moment, indicating that all agreements are in place between the player and the French club. Giroud has reportedly accepted a one-year contract proposal from Lille, and all necessary documents have been prepared by the Ligue 1 outfit to formalize the transfer.

Medical examinations, a standard procedure in any football transfer, have been booked for Giroud. Assuming these pass without issue, the forward's return to Europe will be complete. This move marks a significant shift for the 38-year-old, who joined LAFC as a free agent from AC Milan in the summer of 2024.

Giroud's time in MLS saw him score five goals and provide three assists across 37 appearances in all competitions. While he contributed to LAFC lifting the US Open Cup and participated in the Club World Cup, his impact wasn't quite as prolific as some might have expected for a player of his caliber and Designated Player status. His contract with LAFC was set to run until December 2025, with an option for 2026, but the two parties have now mutually agreed to part ways.

Lille, who finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season and secured a spot in the Europa League, have actively sought to bolster their attacking options. The club is reportedly set to lose Canadian international Jonathan David to free agency and sees Giroud as an ideal replacement, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven goal-scoring record to their front line.

For Giroud, this marks a return to French football for the first time since his title-winning campaign with Montpellier in the 2011-12 season, which preceded his successful stints in England with Arsenal and Chelsea, and in Italy with AC Milan. His illustrious career also includes winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France and holding the record for France's all-time leading scorer with 57 international goals.

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His arrival at Lille under coach Bruno Genesio will not only provide a tactical asset for the club but also a statement of ambition. Lille aims to combine continental experience with youth development in the upcoming campaign, and Giroud's veteran presence is expected to play a crucial role in that strategy. Barring any last-minute complications, the French striker's comeback to Ligue 1 is imminent.