No surprise, RC Lens parts ways with M'Bala Nzola | OneFootball

The Angolan striker returns to Fiorentina after a season on loan at RC Lens.

M'Bala Nzola

M’Bala Nzola, who spent this season on loan at RC Lens from Fiorentina, officially leaves the northern club on June 26, 2025. The northern side has decided not to trigger the purchase option for the Angolan striker after a mixed spell together.

Arriving in the summer of 2024 with hopes of bolstering the Lens attack, Nzola donned the blood and gold shirt 23 times, including 21 Ligue 1 appearances, tallying six goals and one assist. However, the €9 million buyout clause was left untouched. His adventure with the Sang et Or had started on a promising note, but despite his offensive impact, Nzola repeatedly found himself at odds with the coaching staff.

In February, he received a red card for throwing the ball at the referee, earning a two-match ban plus one suspended. His lateness to training saw him dropped to the reserves ahead of a clash with Saint-Étienne in early April. Head coach Will Still made his position clear: "He crossed the line; anyone who doesn't respect the rules is no longer part of the group."

With his loan spell over, he returns to Fiorentina. There is no guarantee of a fresh start with the Viola. The 28-year-old Angolan has recently been linked with Torino, Spezia, and other Italian clubs.