Feyenoord blocks Lille, extends Zechiël until 2029, London watches

Feyenoord had a creative void in midfield and saw Gjivai Zechiël as the ideal solution. The 22‑year‑old midfielder, who was close to moving to OSC Lille in the summer, is now the standout of the team. If he maintains his form, he can lead the club to new heights.

Blocks Lille and extends contract

In the summer Zechiël was on the verge of moving to OSC Lille; the midfielder himself also wanted to make that step. Ultimately Feyenoord blocked the transfer and the club has extended the contract until mid‑2029, tying him to Rotterdam.

The Rotterdam club sees him as the new pivot in midfield and has thus made an important strategic move. Zechiël has already proven himself as the team's standout, which further justifies the extension.

London watches: Chelsea and Arsenal interested

According to Caught Offside, both Chelsea and Arsenal want to bring the young Rotterdammer to London, possibly as the ultimate crowning in 2027. The interest of the English top clubs turns the situation into a genuine neighbour feud between the two London giants.

Lille at the time had a budget of fifteen million euros for the player, but that was already too low for Feyenoord. Zechiël's market value is now estimated at seventeen million euros, while Rotterdam wants to see at least double that. Hedwiges Maduro recently said that a good club must pay more in the summer and that Zechiël will therefore receive a higher salary. He warned that the player could leave again next year if the financial terms are not adjusted, and even mentioned FC Barcelona as a possible destination.

Zechiël himself spoke about his new commitment: “I am very happy and especially grateful. I am in my place here and know that I can still make many steps here.” He emphasized that he is now focusing on his first international period with the Oranje, but that the interest from London is already clearly present.

For now Zechiël continues to focus on the Eredivisie and his role at Feyenoord, while the club prepares for possible negotiations over a future transfer. The coming months will determine whether the Rotterdam club can maintain the double asking price or if the London clubs manage to close the deal.