Jean Butez will ultimately not join RC Lens, despite advanced discussions with Antwerp.
While the Artesian club was looking for a successor to Brice Samba, about to sign at Stade Rennais, an agreement around 3 million euros and a contract until 2028 seemed imminent. However, Lens decided to withdraw from negotiations, deeming the cost too high for a goalkeeper of this age and expressing doubts about his fitness.
The departure of Brice Samba was confirmed by Lensois coach Will Still at a press conference. The captain, eager to take on a new challenge, will not be lined up against Toulouse this Sunday. Hervé Koffi, already starting in the last Cup match, will take his place in goal until further notice. Will Still stressed the importance of not holding on to a player who wants to leave.
DIRECTION HOW?
For his part, Jean Butez, sidelined at Antwerp since this summer, was looking for a way out. Announced close to Lens, the 29-year-old goalkeeper will finally head to Italy. Como 1907, 16th in Serie A, reached an agreement with Antwerp for a transfer of 3 million euros and a contract until 2028.
This turnaround puts an end to the series. Lens, looking for another goalkeeper, is reviewing its plans, while Jean Butez is preparing to start a new chapter in Serie A.
HIS CAREER
Jean Butez, born June 8, 1995 in Lille, trained as a goalkeeper at LOSC before joining Belgium to launch his career. After winning at Excel Mouscron in 2017 thanks to his regular performances in the Jupiler Pro League, he joined Antwerp FC in 2019. With the club, he won the Belgian Cup in 2020 and established himself as a pillar of the ‘team. However, injuries and tactical choices have kept him away from the field in recent seasons, leading him to look for a new challenge to relaunch his career.
Assane Diao will join on €12m fee from Betis, done too. ????
pic.twitter.com/hAio2qGXuG— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1875918272740442302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“>
