A little over a month after the end of the summer transfer window, some former RC Lens players have still not found a club. While some seem close to hanging up their crampons, others are still hoping to find a new base. Overview.
Maouassa casserole falls into oblivion
After a difficult loan to Granada which ended up relegated to the Spanish second division, Maouassa Dutch oven chain of disappointments. Since his departure from Stade Rennais and his purchase for 12 million euros by Club Bruges, the left-back spent by RC Lens from September 2023 to January 2024 is without a contract and is, given the absence of rumors, courted by no club.
Following a transfer to QRM ending in relegation, central defender Steven Fortes was thanked by the club. Discussions took place with FC Lausanne-Sport but nothing came to fruition for the 32-year-old player who is still free to commit wherever he wishes.
Cheick Traoré, premature end in Romania
In July 2024, the Malian defender Cheick Traore had found a new base in Romania at FC Buzău. However, his contract will only last until August 12. After 4 matches played and 130 minutes of effective playing time, Cheick Traoré today finds himself without a club.
Among the ancient Artesians, several also did not find a base. This is the case of Brice Dja Djédjé (33 ans), Abdelrafique Gérard (31 ans), Filip Markovic (32 ans), Moussa Maazou (36 ans), Kermit Erasmus (34 ans), Cristian Lopez (35 years old) or Serge Aurier (32 years old). All are in their thirties, reaching the end of their careers and no rumor has been leaked to the press about a new sporting project for them.
Thomas Ephestion futsal course organizer
Former resident of Gaillette during the 2017-2018 season, Thomas Ephestion no longer has a club. After a season at Créteil in National 2, the midfielder embarked on a new objective, the organization of a futsal camp for young people. This course will take place from October 21 to 25, 2024 for categories U9 to U11. Another Lensois will be present in the person of Angelo Fulgini. Abdul Batrained at RC Lens, did not find a new sporting challenge. Having recently passed through Kosovo, the 30-year-old Mauritanian defender – memorable for his 2.03m – is looking to get back on track.
Same situation for the right back Jordan Ikoko after his time in the Cypriot championship. He turned down an offer from Dinamo Bucharest this summer. The former Lensois doorman Joris Delle saw his Belgian adventure end in July 2023. At 34 years old, we are slowly approaching the end. Zakaria Diallo has also been without a club since 2022 following a legal case with his ex-partner. After a stint at FC Blo-Wäiss Medernach in the Luxembourg championship, Aristotle Madiani is without a club again. Daniel Opare ended his adventure in Belgium after a final season in Challenger Pro League (Belgian D2).
Long-time friend of Antoine Griezmann, Jonathan Nanizayamo also finds himself without a contract for this season. The 33-year-old center forward who played for National 3 with FC Ouest Tourangeau has not received any new offers. Benjamin Boulenger ended his football career and prioritized his health following heart problems while playing for Francs Borains in the Belgian second division. Kenny Mbalawho left RC Lens this summer, interested several clubs this summer such as Troyes (Ligue 2) and QRM (National) without being able to finalize the signing of a contract. Ryan Stepformer member of the Sang et Or reserve, scored a double with US Lille-Moulins (D1) Carrel against Verton in the Coupe de France.
Also without professional contract: Boubacar Sylla, Alassane Touré, Pierre Ducasse, Edgar Salli, William Rémy, Issam El Adoua, Bilal Bari, Nicolas Caraux (non-exhaustive list)
Nicolas CASTEL-MARÉCHAL
Photo credits: Icon Sport
