Seko Fofana signs for Al-Nassr, becomes a shareholder at Lens | OneFootball

RC Lens captain Seko Fofana has embarked on an exciting new chapter in his career with a move to Al-Nassr, the ambitious Saudi Arabian club powered by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The 28-year-old was undoubtedly one of Ligue 1’s finest midfielders but has turned down Champions League football to head to the Middle East.

Fofana will paly alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic as Al-Nassr seek to improve on their second-place finish in the Saudi Pro League.

His decision to bid goodbye to Lens follows a phenomenal season. He played a pivotal role in helping the team finish runners-up in Ligue 1.

They qualified for the Champions League, a remarkable achievement for a team that only came up from Ligue 2 years ago. He bagged nine goals and six assists in 39 appearances.

Fofana’s brilliance on the field garnered widespread admiration and ultimately attracted the attention of Al-Nassr.

However, RC Lens did not let the formidable Ivory Coast midfielder go without securing a substantial fee. They will receive between €25-30 million.

The player’s bond with RC Lens remains unbroken despite the distance between them, with the club making him a minority shareholder.

Fofana will become the first player to hold such a position in a club they are leaving. It underscores his deep attachment to Lens and his unwavering faith in their future.

His departure marks the second significant exit for Lens in days, following the club-record sale of Belgian striker Lois Openda to RB Leipzig for €50 million.

Lens have already begun revamping their midfield options. Free agent Stijn Spierings and Basel’s Andy Diouf are the newest additions to their squad.