Lille manager Christophe Galtier has admitted that Boubakary Soumaré has caused “tension” at the club, amid continued links with a move to the Premier League.
The 20-year-old has been one of the breakout stars in Europe this season, with his performances in Ligue 1 attracting the interest of some of the biggest clubs on the continent.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keen on moving for the dynamic midfielder, but they’re not alone in their interest – with Arsenal and Tottenham, AC Milan, Atletico and Real Madrid all thought to be admirers.
Soumaré was even the subject of a failed club-record bid from Newcastle in the January transfer window, despite terms being agreed between the Magpies and his current employers, Lille.
Now, it seems that failing to secure a move away has caused some issues in the French camp – with manager Galtier admitting to L’Equipe that things have not been plain sailing with so many interested parties, leading to Soumaré being dropped from the side this past weekend.
“There is a situation at the club that I do not comment on,” he began. “In seasons, there can be tension between a player and his club. We’ll settle this internally and find a solution.
“Under these conditions, I therefore decided to work on two other options this week. I found it interesting what (Jean Emile) Onana could do. “
Onana was the man drafted in to play Marseille at the weekend, a game which Galtier’s side would go on to lose 2-1 after two quick-fire goals in the second half, leaving them in fourth place in Ligue 1.
Soumaré’s absence is unlikely to drag on for too long – he is, after all, one of Lille’s best players and has played a crucial role in their success this season – and a swift return to the side could see him emerge as an outside contender for France’s Euro 2020 squad.
He’s yet to be capped at full international level, but has made four appearances for the Under-21s since making his debut last year, marking the sixth consecutive youth level that he has represented Les Blues at.