He deservedly was named in our team of the season at the end of the campaign, one of four Sang et Or players to feature in the XI. In an interview with Get French Football News, the midfielder pointed out that his style of play had become more multifaceted: “Beforehand, I would win the ball back and pass it along – now, when I win the ball back, I can also bring it up the pitch myself, I’m more confident in that regard. I really feel free in the way I play here.”

The Ghanaian didn’t shy away from addressing one of the few blots in his copybook last season either, namely his early red card against Paris Saint-Germain back in April: “I wasn’t doing well after the red card, I went to see a psychologist. But in the end, I was happy that the team won their games, so it didn’t trouble me too much.” 

Second-season syndrome for Salis Abdul Samed

With Fofana leaving for Saudi Arabia, Abdul Samed was expected to step up as Lens’ midfield leader. However, the former Clermont man has decidedly struggled to replicate the highs of last year. Even as Lens recovered from their early-season slump, costly unforced errors have consistently cropped up in the 23-year-old’s play.

The Ghanaian international had spoken of Fofana as a guiding presence, helping him on and off the pitch. It may be that the Ivorian’s departure has somewhat disoriented his former midfield partner – a downturn in form exacerbated by new midfield signing Andy Diouf’s struggle for form. Some improved performances before the winter break have hinted at a return to form, though.

In any case, the fact remains that Abdul Samed is one of the league’s leading midfielders – even if just two full seasons of top-flight football under his belt. Talk of a move abroad would appear premature, however. Given he was playing with the Clermont reserves in the fifth tier just three years ago, a consistent run in Ligue 1 – anchoring a rejuvenated Lens midfield around him – would serve Abdul Samed well.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin  

Lens finished just one point behind Paris Saint-Germain last season, however, this season, the club have been unable to continue that form. Following Sunday’s defeat to PSG, Lens sit 8th in Ligue 1, whilst the club were also knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage. 

Haise to the Premier League?

There is no question about Haise, who has performed miracles at Lens, being fired, however, he could himself decide to move on. “On my future, I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. Even if I have certain ideas, football is always short-term. You always have to be ready for the next match,” he told Téléfoot. 

Haise is keeping his cards close to his chest, but L’Équipe did report last summer that the Frenchman would be keen on a move to the Premier League. The publication added that English clubs were interested in Haise last summer, and whilst he ultimately remained at the Bollaert to compete in the Champions League, a departure could be on the cards come the end of the season. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

The hosts’ characteristically high pressing paid off within minutes of kick-off, and led to a foray into the box that saw Elye Wahi clumsily brought down by Danilo Pereira. Although Frankowski saw his ensuing penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, it was an early reminder of the issues that Lens’ all-action approach has posed to the champions in their encounters over the last few seasons.

The majority of clear-cut chances in the early exchanges would come for the Sang et Or on the counter. Wahi was again at the centre of action when he unleashed a shot from the edge of the box, after fending off Marquinhos again, which was kept out of the top corner by Donnarumma’s fingertips.

It was a counter from the visitors that would see the first breakthrough, though. After winning the ball back from a hesitant Pereira da Costa, Danilo would find Mbappé in space – the captain then threaded it through for the onrushing Barcola, who dinked his finish from an angle past Samba for the opener.  

The former Lyon man would be decisive again on the stroke of half-time, weaving past the Sang et Or defence before being brought down on the edge of the box by Jonathan Gradit. As the last defender, the right-sided centre-back was duly sent off.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Lens were still keeping themselves in the game deep into the second half.  A hesitant approach from PSG – who were mostly limited to playing around the box – saw the hosts hold on, while Elye Wahi’s one-man mission to keep the opposition defenders busy saw several chances come his way. 

As the belief of a comeback grew around the Stade Bollaert, Lens inevitably pushed up in search of an equaliser. A risky tactic, which inevitably handed PSG the three-on-two counter they needed to finish the game off – Dembélé finding Mbappé for a close-range finish from a tight angle.

Given their immediate rivals’ missteps this weekend, the result is unlikely to be too much of a strain on Lens’ hopes of Europe – if anything, suspended coach Franck Haise will be encouraged by the spirited reaction to the red card.

Now 8 points clear at the top of the table, PSG’s likely title win this season will ostensibly be a less close-run affair compared to last year. The novelty, it appears, is that the Parisians now have established and well-oile front three in Barcola, Mbappé, and Dembélé. Whether the trio can carry over their lethal counter attacking displays onto the European stage, though, remains to be seen.

Lens player ratings

Brice Samba, 5

Jonathan Gradit, 4 – The 31-year-old was some way off his reliable best, and he was then sent off just before the break when he brought down Barcola on the edge of the box as the last defender (although there was little else he could do, in fairness).

Kevin Danso, 7 – Lens’ standout performer – the Austrian’s well-timed challenges, interceptions and blocks kept his team in the game until the end.

Facundo Medina, 5

Faitout Maouassa, 5

Neil El Aynaoui, 6

Andy Diouf, 5

Przemysław Frankowski, 3 – A nightmare evening for the Pole, whose early penalty miss set the tone for a shaky performance as he struggled to keep up with Barcola’s electric display.

Florian Sotoca, 5

Elye Wahi, 6

David Pereira Da Costa, 3

PSG player ratings

Gianluigi Donnarumma, 7

Carlos Soler, 5 – A solid albeit conservative display in an admittedly unfamiliar role at right-back, alternating with Zaïre-Emery (also playing out of position) the few times he ventured forward. Replaced by Fabián Ruiz, whose lack of composure in front of goal twice prevented PSG from killing the game off earlier on. It remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will continue in the role this month, in Achraf Hakimi’s absence.

Marquinhos, 5

Danilo Pereira, 6

Lucas Hernandez, 6

Warren Zaïre-Emery, 5

Vitinha, 6

Manuel Ugarte, 5

Ousmane Dembélé, 7

Kylian Mbappé, 7 – A decisive performance from the captain – a goal and an assist. Like his teammates, he struggled to break down a sturdy Lens defence once the hosts retreated after going a man down, with few 

Bradley Barcola, 7 – The summer signing continues to redeem himself after an unconvincing start to the campaign, gliding past defenders with ease and opening the score with a well-taken dink past Samba. 

The manager has yet to travel to Stade Bollaert-Delelis in his managerial career and has been anticipating a testing environment for his team, as he spoke to PSG’s in-house media team ‘Sunday’s match is very exciting. I have never been to this stadium before. The fans in the middle, the atmosphere… it’s spectacular.’ 

The PSG manager continued, ‘They are a team in Europe, of a high calibre. I really like this team. It could be a very good way to test ourselves. This encounter has all the ingredients that a top-level team could dream of.’ 

‘They are almost unbeatable at home’ – Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique finished by pointing towards Les Sang et Or’s impressive home record this season. ‘They are almost unbeatable at home. They are a team that presses, that doesn’t give you much time to think. It’s a big test, in a stadium with a great atmosphere, I’m delighted.’ 

Lens have only lost twice this season across all competitions while playing in their home stadium, once in game week 2 against FC Metz, and the latest coming in their loss on penalties in the Coupe de France to AS Monaco. 

PSG have struggled so far with teams that press high having generally faced low blocks throughout their journeys across Ligue 1. However, Lens will not be afraid to aggressively put pressure on Les Parisiens as they did so previously in the season against Arsenal when they upset the English side in a historic 2-1 victory. 

GFFN | Nick Hartland

The manager is without two of his more experienced heads in the centre of the field, and will likely turn to the youthful Neil El-Aynaoui and Andy Diouf during the ongoing tournament. Both players have featured in the first-team rotation and this will likely be an ideal opportunity for them to cement their positions further. 

Outside of the midfield axis, Lens can rely on their first choice option at almost every position. The only exception is the continued absence of Deiver Machado at wing-back who remains injured, to which Florian Sotoca will likely fill in. 

Lens likely lineup v PSG

Brice Samba; Facundo Medina, Kevin Danso, Jonathan Gradit; Przemysław Frankowski, Neil El-Aynaoui, Andy Diouf, Florian Sotoca; David Pereira da Costa, Elye Wahi, Adrien Thomasson. (OuF) 

GFFN | Nick Hartland

Carlos Soler looks to be the main beneficiary from this absence as the midfielder has been trusted before in games against Stade de Reims and Racing Club de Strasbourg with Hakimi’s right-back role. 

Luis Enrique will also be without Lee Kang-In who will be representing South Korea at the Asian Cup, while Milan Škriniar will be missing for some time from the team as he recovers from his successful ankle injury. 

Gonçalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani’s stay on the bench looks to continue into this new year as Kylian Mbappé will likely remain as the number nine. 

PSG likely lineup v Lens 

Gianluigi Donnarumma; Lucas Hernandez, Danilo Pereira, Marquinhos, Carlos Soler; Manuel Ugarte, Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Bradley Barcola, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé. (LP)

GFFN | Nick Hartland

Argentina international Medina has seen his stock rise considerably over the past year. Having been a central figure in Ligue 1’s best defence last season, he has consolidated his rise this campaign, attracting some elite-level interest this January. However, it is expected that Medina will remain with Les Sang et Or this winter. 

However, that may not be the case in the summer. The player has recently changed agents, and some of Europe’s elite will circle. L’Équipe report Paris Saint-Germain are lining up a summer move, whilst they also hold an interest in Medina’s defensive partner Kevin Danso. 

AS Monaco are another club tracking Medina, whilst both Inter Milan and AC Milan could also make a move. Inter Milan have already made an enquiry regarding Medina’s availability. Atletico Madrid also have Medina on their shortlist, but once again, a move isn’t expected until the summer. The battle for Medina’s signature looks set to be a fierce one. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

According to Mohamed Toubache-Ter, Stade Rennais and RC Lens are both interested in Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga (29), who has been vocal in his desire to return to Ligue 1. 

The former AS Saint-Étienne winger has had a successful stint in the MLS with LAFC. This season, he finished as the top scorer in the division and led his team to the championship final, before losing 2-1 to Colombus. However, just over one year after leaving La Hexagone, Bouanga is now keen on a return. 

Bouanga holds meeting with Lens

Speaking to Le Maine Libre earlier this month, Bouanga expressed a desire to return to Ligue 1 in January.  “My objective is clear – I want to come back to France, or to another European club”, said the winger. 

Bouanga had been linked with a move to OGC Nice, however, they ultimately opted to sign Mohamed-Ali Cho – a younger profile with a higher potential and a higher resale value. However, Bouanga still isn’t lacking suitors in France’s top flight. According to Toubache-Ter, Lens and Rennes. The Gabonese international has already held talks with Lens’ recruitment co-ordinator Frédéric Hébert. It is looking increasingly likely that Bouanga will get his wish of a Ligue 1 return. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

As a left-footed centre-back, the Argentine is something of a rare commodity, and adding to that his invaluable aggressivity when pressing and ball-playing ability from the back, Medina is logically one of the most sought-after defenders on the market, reportedly also attracting interest from an unnamed Premier League club.

However, although Lens could potentially ask for well over their player’s market value of €22 million, Les Sang et Or are instead looking to offer him a new contract extension, only one year since signing the current one in January of 2023. Last season, Medina was named Lens’ Player of the Season, so the board is logically looking to keep him at the club for as long as possible, while the departure of their other star centre-back Kevin Danso (25) next summer is more probable than ever.

Now remains the hardest part: finding a contractual agreement with Medina and his entourage in order to dissuade the incoming approaches.

GFFN | Alfred Lalande

Fabrizio Romano reports that Danso has been added to Bayern Munich’s shortlist, as the Bavarian club look to follow up the interest that they displayed this summer, whilst L’Équipe report that PSG see the Austrian international as a potential replacement for Nordi Mukiele (26) – a target for Bayern Munich. 

Foot Mercato, meanwhile, reported that Premier League sides had enquired about the availability of Danso. The English clubs,  Bayern Munich and PSG will have all received the same response – Danso is not for sale. According to Foot Mercato, Lens considered the Austrian centre-back as untransferable this month, whilst is highly unlikely that Danso himself will agitate for a move. He enjoys life with Les Sang et Or and wants to compete in the UEFA Europa League with his teammates. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle