Free since the end of his contract with Olympique de Marseille, Chancel Mbemba attracted strong interest this summer, notably from clubs like Vasco da Gama. However, financial reasons prevented that transfer, opening the door to a new European adventure for the 31-year-old Congolese defender, who ultimately chose to sign with LOSC until June 2026.
In an interview with L’Équipe, Mbemba explained that he was convinced by the vision of Lille president Olivier Létang, with whom he had several discussions. « I stayed focused despite the rumors, I appreciated the honesty and the project presented by the president, » he confided, expressing his desire to take on this new challenge and not disappoint his new supporters.
The transfer follows a complicated season in Marseille, where Mbemba was sidelined and deprived of playing time—a situation criticized by Olivier Létang himself, who had tried to recruit the player the previous year without success. Now at Lille, he will return to Ligue 1 where he aims to shine again, supported notably by Congolese football figures such as Florent Ibenge and Christian N’Sengi, who believe the player still has the level to succeed in Europe.
Financially, Mbemba accepted an annual salary of 2.16 million euros, well below the 5.1 million euros he earned at OM, but aligned with his current market value estimated at 2 million euros according to Transfermarkt. This signing comes with an important European campaign in mind for LOSC, which will start in the Europa League against Brann, where the northern team will be the favorite.