The transfer of Yehvann Diouf to the Nice GOC, announced by Le Parisien, represents a hard blow for RC Lens, which considered it a priority to strengthen its staff of guards. Nice’s interest in the 25-year-old guardian had been revealed earlier, and an agreement was reached with the Stade de Reims for his transfer. Diouf, an exemplary captain in Reims, had attracted the attention of several clubs, but Nice finally won the race, in keeping with the will of the club and its coach Franck Haise to bring stability and experience to a key position, replacing Marcin Bulka. This transfer is an important step in Diouf’s career, recognized for his reliability and leadership in Ligue 1, and represents a setback for Lens in his quest for a new goalkeeper.

Lens’ interest in Diouf was motivated by Mathew Ryan’s departure and the need to strengthen his workforce. However, the negotiations have complicated the price set by the Stade de Reims, estimated at more than EUR 10 million, which is considered excessive by Lens, which did not wish to exceed EUR 7 million. This situation has paved the way for other clubs, including the Torino, which had the financial means to meet Reims’ demands and accelerate the transfer of Diouf. Faced with this competition and budgetary difficulties, Lens had to explore other options to fill Diouf’s departure.

In parallel, Lens enlisted the services of Régis Gurtner, experienced guardian of Amiens SC, to strengthen its workforce. This choice, although surprising, allows Lens to have a reliable lining capable of performing the number one role if needed, pending a possible conclusion of the transfer of Diouf. The arrival of Gurtner is good news for Lens, but represents a loss for Amiens SC, which finds itself with limited difficulties in the transfer market. The officialisation of the transfer from Diouf to Nice should take place before the end of the week.