Barcelona-linked striker Jonathan David has admitted that he would like to play for a La Liga club at some stage in the future.
The 25-year-old has developed into one of Europe's most prolific forwards during his time with current club Lille for whom he has scored 107 goals and registered 27 assists in 224 appearances across all competitions.
David, who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2020-21, netted 26 times in 47 games last season, including 19 strikes in 34 French top-flight outings as Les Douges secured a top-four finish and qualified for the Champions League via the playoffs.
This term, David has continued his exceptional form, recording 23 goals and 10 assists in 41 matches, including seven goals in 10 Champions League games for a Lille outfit who surprised many by reaching the last 16.
David recently confirmed that he will be leaving Lille when his contract expires in the summer and a host of top European clubs are now believed to be interested in his services.
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David expresses desire to play in La Liga
A recent report claims that Manchester United, Liverpool, West Ham United, Juventus and Inter Milan are all in the running to sign David on a free transfer, with the former known to be prioritising the addition of a new centre-forward in the summer.
David allegedly has intentions of playing for a top-level Premier League team, but the Canada international has since revealed that he "can adapt" to any league and would like to test himself in the Spanish top flight "one day", seemingly handing Barcelona a boost in their pursuit of the striker.
"To be honest, I think I can adapt to every league. Every league has their differences. I think the Premier League is a lot faster and more physical than all the other leagues," David said when discussing his future on the podcast It's Called Soccer!
"But I grew up watching a lot of La Liga. I wouldn't say that would be my preferred league, but I think that's a league that I enjoyed watching the most... I think one day, I would like to play there. But will that happen? I don't know. I'm not opposed to anything, and we'll just see where the future takes us."
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David willing to adapt to new league as he nears Lille exit
David added: "I've had difficult moments, especially my first season and even my first two seasons at Lille. I think I had a dry spell, but now I'm scoring so much.
"But for me in those situations, it's about putting your focus on the work, so doing extra after training and always working hard, and knowing something will happen.
"Knowing I've put the work in gives me more confidence on the pitch, knowing that I did what I could, so I have no regrets. Normally, I'm more of a reserved, shy guy, but moving to different countries makes you evolve as a person and makes you come out of your shell. You have to get involved.
"As a player, everywhere you go you have to adapt because the culture is different, the playstyle is different, the players are different are there are different expectations of you."
Barcelona are understood to have identified David as a potential long-term replacement for 36-year-old striker Robert Lewandowski, who is due to see his contract at Camp Nou expire in June 2026.
Oliver Thomas
