Lens and Rennes remain in talks over Brice Samba

Lens and Rennes are still in talks over the transfer of Brice Samba (30), according to the Artois side’s CEO Pierre Dréossi. Speaking to DAZN before Lens’ Ligue 1 home game against Toulouse, Dréossi has provided an update on the France international goalkeeper’s move to Brittany. Samba previously agreed to sign a four-and-a-half year deal with Rennes as Lens agreed in principle on a €14m transfer fee.

However, Lens then surprisingly pulled the plug on the deal with RMC Sport understanding the decision was taken as a reactionary measure to Rennes’ communication policy. La Voix du Nord added that Lens’ goalkeeping coach Hervé Sekli requested to follow Samba in making the move to Brittany.

Dréossi said to DAZN that Samba informed him, in the final days of 2024, of his wish to leave Lens. “We were a little bit surprised, but anyway… It happened like this“, said the RC Lens CEO. “The negotiations have stalled, but they did not stop. These are long negotiations, around ten days long, but there is no agreement.” Dréossi also confirmed that Lens will probably sign another goalkeeper.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval