FC Metz want to retain Matthieu Udol amid Lens interest | OneFootball

Metz president Bernard Serin has declared that he wants captain Matthieu Udol to remain at the club this summer, amid strong interest from RC Lens – but insists that the Ligue 1 returnees will not stand in his way at all costs.

Speaking to Le Républicain Lorrain, Serin made clear that Metz hope to build their top-flight squad around Udol, who played a pivotal role in last season’s promotion. The 29-year-old left-back was a standout performer in the club’s play-off victory over Reims, scoring twice and providing an assist across the two legs.

“When you have a player like Matthieu, the aim is to construct a competitive team around him, around the captain,” explained Serin. “That’s why we want to keep him.”

However, the Metz president also struck a pragmatic tone. Serin warned that the club “won’t go to war” with their captain over a transfer. “The decision ultimately belongs to the club,” he added.

Udol is under contract until June 2027 and is believed to be tempted by the opportunity to join Lens, though no agreement is yet in place, according to L’Équipe. Metz are reportedly only willing to sanction a departure on two conditions: that the suitor is not involved in a relegation battle, and that a satisfactory financial offer is made. Otherwise, a stay in Moselle remains a possibility.

In anticipation of the new season, Metz have already added Yannis Lawson (20) as a backup at left-back, while Udol would form part of the club’s spine alongside Benjamin Stambouli, Jessy Deminguet and Gauthier Hein.GFFN | George Boxall