Nampalys Mendy is expected to leave RC Lens at the end of the season, with newly promoted Saudi Pro League club Neom SC reportedly showing serious interest in the Senegal international.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who joined Lens in the summer of 2023, has struggled to secure regular playing time in a competitive squad.
With his contract set to expire on June 30, Mendy is now considering his options for the next chapter of his career.
According to multiple reports, Neom SC, a club recently promoted to Saudi Arabia’s top division and home to fellow Senegalese player Mbaye Diagne, is keen to bring Mendy into their project.
The move would offer the experienced midfielder not only the opportunity for more consistent minutes on the pitch but also the financial rewards that come with the Gulf region’s expanding football ambitions.
Mendy, a key member of Senegal’s victorious Africa Cup of Nations squad in 2022, has drawn interest beyond Saudi Arabia as well.
Clubs from Major League Soccer are said to be monitoring the situation closely, potentially setting up a multi-continent tug-of-war for the veteran’s signature.
After spells with AS Monaco, OGC Nice, and a six-year stint at Leicester City in the Premier League, Mendy arrived at Lens hoping to reinvigorate his career in Ligue 1.
However, his time with the Blood and Gold has not gone as planned. Limited opportunities and fierce competition for places in midfield have restricted his contributions during the current campaign, leading to growing speculation about his future.
With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Mendy is reportedly eager to join a club that can guarantee more consistent game time, both to maintain his form and remain in contention for Senegal’s squad selection. A move to a club like Neom SC, which is building its roster with experienced professionals, could offer exactly that.
While no deal has yet been finalized, discussions are believed to be progressing. Neom SC’s ambitions, backed by substantial financial support and a growing interest in international recruitment, make them a compelling destination for seasoned players looking to extend their careers in a competitive yet less pressurised environment.
For Mendy, the coming weeks will be pivotal. His decision will likely rest on a combination of playing opportunities, financial incentives, and his international ambitions with Senegal.
Whether it is a move to Saudi Arabia, a shift to MLS, or a surprise return to another European club, the midfielder appears poised for one final career move.
RC Lens, for their part, are unlikely to stand in his way. With his contract drawing to a close and limited involvement in the team’s recent fixtures, the club is preparing for his departure.
Mendy’s exit would mark the end of a brief but professional spell in northern France.
As the summer transfer window nears, all eyes will be on Nampalys Mendy’s next step — one that could see the Senegalese international embark on a new challenge in the Middle East.
