Olivier Giroud made a surprising move to Los Angeles FC in July 2024 after three successful seasons at AC Milan, marking his first foray outside of European football. However, following a disappointing run at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, reports suggest the French striker is preparing to leave the MLS side.
Giroud was brought in as the marquee signing expected to fill the void left by Carlos Vela and elevate LAFC into one of Major League Soccer’s premier franchises. But after an underwhelming year in the U.S., his time in Los Angeles appears to be coming to a premature end.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Lille are closing in on a deal to sign Giroud from LAFC. Talks have accelerated in recent days, driven by the player’s desire to return to Europe, and the move is reportedly entering its final stages.
French outlet RTL reports that Lille president Olivier Létang has negotiated directly with Giroud, who is willing to take a pay cut from his current salary—believed to be around €3 million gross per season. Meanwhile, the striker’s family is already searching for housing in the Lille area.
Giroud is expected to play his final match for LAFC on Sunday, June 29, against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The 2018 World Cup winner will say goodbye to the Banc of California Stadium having recorded just five goals and three assists in 37 appearances—modest numbers for a striker of his stature.
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LAFC and a disappointing Club World Cup
Speaking ahead of LAFC’s opening match against Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Giroud was asked about the tournament’s importance and what it means for Major League Soccer. The veteran forward didn’t hold back in promoting the league’s progress.
“It’s a great opportunity for Seattle (Sounders), Inter Miami and LAFC to show the quality of the league. The fact that over 10 or 15 years the football ‘Soccer’ has grown a lot in a good direction. That’s why it’s good to see where we stand now, the MLS teams, compared to the top level teams.”
However, both LAFC and the Seattle Sounders fell short of expectations. LAFC exited the tournament after a lackluster showing in Group D, suffering defeats to Chelsea and Esperance Tunis and managing only a draw against Flamengo when they were already eliminated.
In a tournament where LAFC’s most talked-about moment was goalkeeper David Ochoa sprinting to the locker room to grab Giroud’s shirt—delaying the start of the second half—the team struggled to leave a lasting impression. Now, it falls to Inter Miami to carry the MLS banner when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
