Paulo Fonseca, in his brief tenure at Lille, has swiftly elevated Ivan Cavaleiro to a cornerstone of his squad. Despite joining just last summer, Cavaleiro’s impact has been profound, though marred by injuries, prompting Real Betis to express interest in securing his services.
Ivan Cavaleiro arrived at Lille last summer on a free transfer from Fulham, showcasing Paulo Fonseca’s keen eye for talent. The Portuguese winger wasted no time in asserting himself, quickly becoming a standout performer for the Dogues. With 16 appearances in Ligue 1, including a goal and an assist, Cavaleiro’s contributions have been noteworthy.
In addition to his league performances, Cavaleiro has impressed in the Europa Conference League, tallying two appearances and a crucial assist, along with featuring in the qualification playoffs. Despite his 30 years, Cavaleiro has showcased his versatility, appearing in a total of 22 matches across all competitions, underscoring his importance to Fonseca’s plans for LOSC. However, his progress has been hampered by injuries.
Challenges faced by Ivan Cavaleiro
Since his arrival, Cavaleiro has brought experience and depth to the Lille squad. His ability to seamlessly integrate into Fonseca’s system has been a positive sign for both the manager and his coaching staff. However, a pubalgia injury in December necessitated surgery, sidelining Cavaleiro for two months and disrupting his momentum.
Despite being a linchpin for Fonseca’s side, Cavaleiro has struggled to regain form following his injury setback. With speculation surrounding his future, a departure from Lille is now a distinct possibility. Foot Mercato reports that Real Betis, aware of an impending departure of Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer, has identified Cavaleiro as a priority signing, recognising his potential to bolster their squad in La Liga.
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