The RC Lens transfer window is not over! Second in Ligue 1, the Artesian club has already made two arrivals, but coach Pierre Sage is still waiting for alternatives, particularly on the left flank of his defense. Arthur Masuaku should arrive soon to compensate for the defensive shortcomings, and this could not be the last player to join Artois.
The defeat in Marseille (3-1) this Saturday confirmed the deficiencies identified by the Lensois coach. Deprived of Samson Baidoo, injured in the hamstring, Pierre Sage had to tinker defensively during the clash at the Vélodrome. A situation which weakened the collective balance of a team which nevertheless had the best defense in Ligue 1 with only 13 goals conceded.
At a press conference, the Jura technician recognized these shortcomings: “To be efficient, we need other alternatives. The club is perfectly aware of this and is acting in this direction. It’s especially a balance that we need to readjust on the left side of our defense.” Since the departure of Deiver Machado for Nantes at the beginning of December, the left sector has suffered cruelly.
According to several media, Arthur Masuaku will arrive in Lens in the form of a six-month loan from Sunderland. The 32-year-old Congolese international, who played for West Ham and Besiktas, has already reached an agreement with the second in Ligue 1. Trained at the club in the past, the left back is expected in Artois next week to finalize his transfer.
After the arrival of Amadou Haïdara in December and that of Mathieu Gorgelin to replace injured goalkeeper Régis Gurtner, RC Lens continues to strengthen intelligently. “The next few days look better,” said Pierre Sage, a sign that other movements could take place between now and the end of the winter transfer window.
The probable departure of Morgan Guilavogui compensated? It’s under discussion, and sports director Jean-Louis Leca has obviously already identified an interesting profile. A central defender recruited? This is not on the agenda. One week before the transfer market closes, things should still change in Lens.
