Başar Önal continues LOSC's proud Turkish tradition
LOSC have officially announced the arrival of Turkish U21 international Başar Önal from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old winger has signed a four-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2030.
Born in Doetinchem in the Netherlands to Turkish parents, Önal came through the academy at De Graafschap before earning a move to NEC Nijmegen in 2024. After adapting quickly to the Eredivisie, he enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists in all competitions as NEC secured a historic third-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.
Comfortable on either flank but most often deployed from the left despite being right-footed, Önal arrives in Ligue 1 McDonald's with a reputation for his direct dribbling, pace and creativity in one-on-one situations.
Speaking after signing, the new Lille winger admitted the club's Turkish history played an important role in his decision.
"I'm really happy to join LOSC. It's a big step for me and my family. The club's mentality attracted me, and I think I can flourish here. It's a big club with great supporters, a fantastic atmosphere and superb facilities. I want to follow the example of Burak Yılmaz and Yusuf Yazıcı, great Turkish players who succeeded here."
Continuing a Turkish tradition
Önal becomes the latest Turkish international to wear the Lille shirt, continuing a connection that stretches back more than four decades.
The first was midfielder Engin Verel, who joined the club in 1982 after starring for Fenerbahçe and representing Türkiye internationally. While his spell in northern France was brief, it established a pathway that would later be followed by some of the country's biggest names.
More recently, right-back Zeki Çelik developed into one of Ligue 1's finest defenders after arriving from İstanbulspor in 2018, helping Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2020/21 before earning a move to AS Roma.
Attacking midfielder Yusuf Yazıcı became a fan favourite during two spells with the club, while veteran striker Burak Yılmaz brought leadership and invaluable experience to the title-winning squad, scoring 16 league goals as LOSC ended Paris Saint-Germain's domestic dominance.
Now, Önal has the opportunity to add his name to that distinguished list as he begins a new chapter under Davide Ancelotti, hoping to become the latest Turkish international to make his mark at LOSC.
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