Lens Remade: Key Arrivals and Departures
Lens made a key change this summer, starting at the top by appointing Sage as manager in June. After Sage was chosen to lead Les Sang et Or, the players to bolster this squad have begun. Here's a rundown of the arrivals and players who have said goodbye to Lens.
Samson Baidoo (Arrival)
With the departure of Facundo Medina, Lens needed to find a replacement for the Argentine and the French side decided to land Samson Baidoo from RB Salzburg. The 21-year-old spent the last four years with the Austrian side, making 71 total appearances.
Matthieu Udol (Arrival)
Lens added a veteran presence to their backline as Sage needs players like Matthieu Udol to help guide the young players like Baidoo. The 29-year-old joins Lens after spending 13 years at FC Metz, playing for the B team and senior squad.
RΓ©gis Gurtner (Arrival)
Udol isn't the only veteran coming to Lens as 38-year-old RΓ©gis Gurtner joined the club this month. Gurtner has spent the majority of his career at Amiens SC, making 355 total appearances for the French club. Lens hopes that his experience can help bring a calming presence to the defense and fill the void that Brice Samba left when the shot-stopper departed earlier this year.
Matthew Ryan (Departure)
Lens brought in Matthew Ryan to help replace Samba last season, joining from AS Roma. The 33-year-old made 14 appearances for Lens in 2024-25, posting six clean sheets while conceding 17 goals. Ryan left the Ligue 1 McDonald's club as a free agent after not being offered a contract extension to continue his stay.
Facundo Medina (Departure)
After six years with Lens, Medina left the club to join Olympique de Marseille. The Argentine defender made 165 total appearances for Lens during his career with the French club and was part of the squad that clinched a UEFA Champions League spot and battled for the Ligue 1 McDonald's title in 2022-23. Medina will play against Lens this season on October 26, 2025 and January 25, 2026.
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