Walid Regragui has emerged as a candidate for the vacant managerial position at RC Lens following the departure of Yannick Cahuzac, Foot Mercato reported on November 13, 2026.
The club’s leadership is actively searching for a successor after dismissing Cahuzac on a Thursday following a historic 1-9 defeat against Côme in the Champions League and a subsequent 1-2 loss to Olympique de Marseille at Bollaert, concluding a turbulent period that had already seen Dino Toppmöller let go weeks into the championship.
While Pierre Sage remains the primary target for club president Joseph Oughourlian—particularly after Sage was relieved of his duties at Crystal Palace following his departure from Lens over the summer—the management team is evaluating alternative candidates. According to Foot Mercato, Walid Regragui has been interviewed by the club’s directors as part of their search.
The 51-year-old coach is currently free after concluding his tenure with the Moroccan national team, where he guided the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and a CAN final appearance, alongside his previous African Champions League victory with Wydad Casablanca in 2022.
Having turned down several offers over the summer while working as a consultant for Canal+, Regragui has an ambition to manage in one of Europe’s top five leagues and has previously been a finalist for the Paris FC job alongside Liam Rosenior.
After a 2025-2026 season with a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and a Coupe de France title, RC Lens has an appealing profile because of its history in French football, passionate supporters, competitive squad, and Champions League play.
Keep reading
