Rennes reach agreement in principle with Lens for Brice Samba | OneFootball

Rennes are close to securing the services of France international goalkeeper Brice Samba (30) after reaching an agreement in principle with RC Lens, according to L’Equipe. The Brittany club seems to have identified former or current Lens players to reinforce themselves after a disappointing start to the Ligue 1 season. This Saturday, reports of a move for Seko Fofana (29) have emerged and the Ivory Coast international midfielder is expected to sign for Les Rouge et Noir shortly.

The outlet now reports that Rennes president and former Lens CEO Arnaud Pouille is close to pulling a major Ligue 1 move in signing the France international goalkeeper. The ever-reliable Samba remains one of Ligue 1’s best shotstoppers. But the former Nottingham Forest goalie seems to have been left disappointed by a shift of sporting policy at Will Still’s Lens as the club’s owner intends to lower the team’s wages and sell their prized assets, including in-demand centre-backs Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin Danso, to balance the books.

L’Equipe report that Lens have agreed to part ways with Samba in exchange of a sum north of €14m, which can be considered a high sum for a 30-year-old goalkeeper. Samba would sign a long-term contract with Rennes until 2029. Les Rouge et Noir were in the market for a goalkeeper with veteran Steve Mandanda (39) nearing the expiry of his contract. For the second time in his career, the former France international will be replaced a younger goalkeeper under the tutelage of Argentine manager Jorge Sampaoli.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval