Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at 3:47 p.m.
RC Lens has formalized the arrival of Mathew Ryan, emblematic goalkeeper and captain of the Australian national team, to strengthen its ranks after the departure of Brice Samba, who left for Stade Rennais.
Aged 32, Ryan has signed with the northern club until June 2025. With his 96 caps with the Socceroos and his 454 professional matches, including 66 in European competitions, the Australian goalkeeper brings solid experience to RC Lens. Accustomed to major championships such as the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, he aims to stabilize a Lens defense in search of consistency during the second part of the season.
-An experienced goalkeeper arrives in Lens
In difficulty at AS Roma, where he has only played one match this season, in the Italian Cup, Mathew Ryan sees in Lens an opportunity to regain playing time and a key role. A logical trajectory for this player with a substantial track record; three participations in the World Cup (2014, 2018, 2022), a coronation in the Asian Cup in 2015, where he was voted best goalkeeper, and notable stints in seven different countries including England and Spain.
RC Lens, which aims to remain competitive in Ligue 1 and on the European scene, is banking on Ryan’s experience and natural leadership. The club salutes his qualities as a leader of defense and his ability to evolve under pressure, assets which fit with the high objectives of the Sang et Or for this second part of the season. The challenge is significant for the Australian international: to establish himself as a pillar of the Lens squad and help keep the club at the top. With such reinforcement, RC Lens clearly displays its ambitions for the months to come.
