Feyenoord rebuffs Lille’s €20m offer, Zechiël set to stay

Midfielder Gjivai Zechiël appears set to remain at Feyenoord this summer, despite OSC Lille's proposal of roughly twenty million euros plus bonuses, which the Rotterdammers have rejected; former striker Geert den Ouden called the decision entirely logical, given Feyenoord’ ambitions in the Champions League.

Lille's offer rejected

OSC Lille submitted a bid estimated at around twenty million euros, bonuses included. Feyenoord's board, referred to as the Rotterdammers, dismissed the proposal outright. No further negotiations were reported.

Former striker Geert den Ouden said, "Much too little! Feyenoord must not part with Zechiël." He added that even a thirty‑five‑million euro offer would not justify a sale. Ouden believes the midfielder will only increase in value as Feyenoord competes in the Champions League.

Former forward Ali Boussaboun praised Zechiël, noting his development was already evident at FC Utrecht. He recalled that Zechiël was among the league’s best players weekly and could lift a struggling Utrecht side. Boussaboun observed that the Rotterdam club’s new manager has given Zechiël immediate confidence, which the player is now displaying.

Journalist Dennis Kranenburg stated that Zechiël is expected to stay, yet concrete interest continues. He pointed out that Lille recently sold a player for one hundred million euros, leaving them with available budget. Kranenburg reported that the club’s market value for Zechiël is estimated at ten million euros. He added that an unverified offer of seventeen million euros, including bonuses, has been mentioned.

Den Ouden questioned whether Lille also competes in the Champions League, emphasizing that Feyenoord should prioritize its own ambitions. He suggested the club could match the salary Zechiël could earn in France to retain him. Ouden concluded that continued development could make Zechiël worth many times the reported seventeen‑million euro figure.

Boussaboun concurred, asserting that Feyenoord aims to play a significant role in the Champions League and fight for the title. He warned the club should not offload its top talent now. He praised the combination of Zechiël and Valente as an excellent midfield partnership for Feyenoord.

The report references Geert den Ouden, Ali Boussaboun, RTV Rijnmond, FC Utrecht, Gjivai Zechiël, and also includes the words Den, Bij and Wat as they appear in the original coverage. These elements illustrate the club’s stance on retaining key talent.