RC Lens captain Seko Fofana is in talks with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
Fofana, who signed a contract extension until 2025 last year, has played an integral part in Lens’ recent success, spearheading the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. Franck Haise’s side finished one point behind Paris Saint-Germain and will play in the Champions League group stage next season.
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Fofana is widely regarded as one of the league’s best midfielders and he has previously attracted interest from the Premier League and PSG. However, the 28-year-old is now discussing a move to Al Nassr, the club Cristiano Ronaldo moved to in January.
In a statement, Lens said: “The club confirms exchanges between Al Nassr and Seko Fofana/his entourage. And between Seko Fofana/his entourage and Racing. Discussions are taking place with the utmost transparency, mutual respect and in the interests of all parties involved. No official announcement is underway or imminent.”
Fofana is just the latest player to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League. The Saudi Arabia ministry of sport announced earlier this month that the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will take control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League — Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr — and this is poised to lead to an influx in overseas talent. So far, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have joined Al Ittihad, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves have joined Al Hilal, while several other stars, including Hakim Ziyech and Neymar, have been approached.
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Fofana joined Lens in 2020 from Serie A side Udinese, having previously played for Manchester City and Fulham. His departure would be a big loss for Lens, who are preparing to return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
Last week, the club confirmed the signing of Stijn Spierings from Toulouse on a four-year contract, but it is the retention of the their best players, such as Fofana and striker Lois Openda, which will be their biggest challenge this summer. Lens president Joseph Oughourlian previously told The Athletic that the club will have to be realistic when it comes to high-profile suitors this summer.
“You try and anticipate it as much as you can. No one is irreplaceable — especially at Lens, as it’s a team effort. That’s part of business, of sport. You’re going to lose key players. Key staff. We might lose some key players and that’s fine. The chance is lower (now we are) in the Champions League, players may hesitate before leaving.
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“You just have to be smarter. Lean and mean.”
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(Photo: LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
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