French club Lille have confirmed that Algeria international Nabil Bentaleb has signed a new contract, extending his stay until 30 June 2028 after weeks of negotiations over his future.
The agreement brings an end to uncertainty surrounding the 31-year-old midfielder, whose previous contract had expired and who had been expected to leave the club as a free agent during the current summer transfer window.
Instead, Lille and Bentaleb reached an agreement that will keep the Algerian at the club for an additional two years beyond the expiry of his previous deal.
The French side announced the renewal in an official statement, confirming that the midfielder will remain part of the squad through to the end of the 2027-28 season.
The new contract follows an extended period of discussions between the player and the club’s management.
Negotiations lasted several weeks after Bentaleb’s previous agreement came to an end, leaving his immediate future unresolved.
Although no deal had initially been reached, signs of progress emerged in the middle of July when Lille president Olivier Létang indicated that both parties were moving closer to an agreement.
Those discussions have now resulted in a successful conclusion, with the club securing the services of one of its experienced midfielders for the coming seasons.
Throughout the period in which he was without a contract, Bentaleb continued to prepare for the new campaign by training individually.
His decision to maintain his fitness was viewed as a reflection of his determination to remain at Lille despite attracting interest from several clubs that were reportedly prepared to sign him on a free transfer this summer.
The midfielder’s commitment to staying with the French side ultimately proved decisive as negotiations continued.
Bentaleb’s latest contract extension also marks another significant chapter in a career that has included a lengthy spell away from the game because of health concerns.
The Algeria international endured a major setback during the summer of 2024 when he suffered heart problems.
The condition forced him to spend eight months away from competitive football before he eventually returned to action in February 2025.
His comeback allowed him to resume his career with Lille, and the new agreement now provides further continuity after overcoming that difficult period.
Since arriving at the club in 2023 from fellow French side Angers, Bentaleb has become a regular member of Lille’s squad.
Across all competitions, he has made 81 appearances for the club.
During those matches, the midfielder has scored three goals and contributed five assists.
His performances over the past two seasons helped establish him as an important figure in the team, despite the interruption caused by his extended absence through illness.
The decision to extend his contract ensures Lille will retain an experienced international midfielder as they continue planning for the coming campaigns.
For Bentaleb, the agreement also ends speculation over his future after months of uncertainty.
With interest from other clubs failing to result in a move, both player and club have opted to continue their partnership, with Lille confirming that the Algerian international will now remain under contract until the summer of 2028.
The announcement provides clarity for both sides ahead of the new season, ending weeks of negotiations and securing the long-term future of a player who has overcome significant challenges since joining the French club in 2023.
