Lorient Football Club reportedly attempted to recruit Olivier Giroud prior to his signing with Lille, with Lolo Koscielny, presumably a reference to Laurent Koscielny, vacating the opportunity.

Friend and ex-teammate Laurent Koscielny, now the sporting director of Lorient, made an attempt to entice Olivier Giroud to Brittany. This offer came before the proposition from Lille, which was more alluring in sporting aspects.

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2025 September 16 . 5:16 AM

2 min read

"Lorient Football Club attempted to pursue Olivier Giroud before his signing with Lille, prompting... — "Lorient Football Club attempted to pursue Olivier Giroud before his signing with Lille, prompting Lolo Koscielny's vacancy in the team"

Lorient Football Club reportedly attempted to recruit Olivier Giroud prior to his signing with Lille, with Lolo Koscielny, presumably a reference to Laurent Koscielny, vacating the opportunity.

In the world of French football, the summer transfer window saw a significant move as Olivier Giroud chose to join LOSC (Lille) over FC Lorient. The decision was influenced by the projects and standings of the two clubs.

Giroud, who started the season strongly with Lille, was approached by another French club before Lille this summer. The offer from Lille, thanks to Olivier Létang's efforts, came quickly. On the other hand, FC Lorient presented Giroud with a project that included two specific teammates promised to make him happy and youngsters around him.

However, Giroud's decision was not based solely on team dynamics. He was also considering Lille's position in the league and their pursuit of European glory. Lille was playing for Europe and the top of the table, while FC Lorient was fighting to stay up.

Giroud's former Arsenal teammate, Laurent Koscielny, played a role in the proceedings. Koscielny, now the sporting director of FC Lorient since June 2024, hinted at Giroud's potential move. He was involved in scouting and recruitment activities at FC Lorient before Giroud signed with the club in summer 2022.

During their discussions, Giroud mentioned the possibility of his move ending in Los Angeles FC this summer. However, he felt that staying with LAFC just for fun wouldn't make sense.

Giroud's adductor pain kept him from participating in Lille's 7-1 victory against FC Lorient on August 30. This was a game that Giroud, despite his injury, would have relished, given the high stakes for both teams.

Giroud and Koscielny share a rich history, having been teammates at Arsenal from 2012 to January 2018, partners in the French national team until 2018, and parting ways as friends after their discussions.

Giroud's stint in the US was a mixed one, with 38 games and 5 goals. Despite this, his heart led him back to France, and he chose Lille over FC Lorient, a decision that promises to bring excitement to the French league.