Great architect of RC Lens' return to the forefront since 2020, Jonathan Gradit has been playing supporting roles for several weeks. Collateral victim of Abdukodir Khusanov's explosion, the former Caen player has hardly played for two months. Just last weekend, the 32-year-old central defender remained stuck on the bench, with Will Still preferring Malang Sarr. A situation that begins to upset the player's clan. Explanations.
Jonathan Gradit, loss of status
But what is happening at RC Lens? While captain Brice Samba requested his transfer, another executive is having difficulty with his situation at the club. Indisputable holder for five years, Jonathan Gradet has undergone a real downgrade in recent weeks. If a few physical glitches (ankle sprain, foot injury) have certainly not helped him, the native of Talence has not played a single match since November 9 and the forceps victory against Nantes.
During this time, Abdukodir Khusanov took the opportunity to become indispensable alongside Kevin Danso, while Facundo Medina has taken advantage of his versatility to transform into a left-back since the move to a four-man defense. If a form of sporting logic emerges from the choices made by Will Still, especially since RC Lens has one of the best defenses in the championship with 15 goals conceded, the recent match against Nantes is perhaps the final straw. water that will break the camel's back for Jonathan Gradit.
An inevitable departure?
In the absence of Abdukodir Khusanov (suspended) and Facundo Medina (personal reasons), number 24 of RC Lens appeared to be a credible candidate to form the hinge with Kevin Danso against Nantes. However, Will Still preferred Malang Sarr pour « have a left and a right foot in the defense ». « I knew Toulouse was going to give us the ball. I didn't want to put Kev (Kevin Danso) on the wrong foot, continues the RCL coach. We needed passing angles, to find certain players with a left foot. It's that simple. »
A choice, although explained, which aroused the anger of Stéphane Courbisthe player's representative, in the columns of The Voice of the North : « It's incomprehensible. Jo is capable of playing in a 4-man defense, he was trained in this system. I don't understand the management of an invested player like him, in love with the club, and who has had the best start to the season of his career. It sends the message that the coach does not count on him. » A media release which comes a few days after the announcement of Rennes' interest in Jonathan Gradit, relayed by West France.
And if RC Lens lets it filter that it is still counting on Jonathan Gradit, the person concerned could well end up getting tired of the situation and be driven by the desire to see if the grass is not ultimately greener elsewhere. That's one more file to manage in this winter transfer window as crazy as it is incredible even though it started less than a week ago…
Photo credits: Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport
