Abdallah Sima has completed a permanent move to RC Lens, signing a contract that runs until 2029, ending his underwhelming four-year stint at Brighton & Hove Albion without a single first-team appearance.
The Senegalese forward, who rose to prominence at Slavia Prague with a standout 2020–21 Europa League campaign in which he scored four goals in eleven games, arrived at Brighton in the summer of 2021 with high expectations.
However, his time on the south coast never took off, as he was repeatedly sent out on loan and struggled with injuries.
Sima’s first loan spell came at Stoke City, where fitness issues restricted him to just four matches without a goal.
His fortunes improved considerably when he joined Rangers in 2023.
Under Belgian coach Philippe Clement, the 23-year-old rediscovered his form, netting 16 goals in 39 appearances and lifting the Scottish League Cup in 2024.
A subsequent move to Stade Brestois proved equally significant for his career revival.
Playing in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, Sima showcased his flair on the European stage once again, scoring 12 times across 40 games, including three goals in Europe’s premier competition.
His performances in Brittany rekindled interest from clubs across the continent, with Lens moving quickly to secure his services.
It was in the pipeline, and now it’s official: Abdallah Sima has signed with RC Lens until 2029, the French club announced.
For Brighton, Sima’s departure closes a chapter that never truly began.
Despite his potential, he was left out of the plans by successive managers including Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi, and Fabian Hürzeler.
Injuries and inconsistent opportunities meant he never featured at Falmer Stadium, with his progress taking place exclusively on loan.
For Lens, however, the signing is viewed as an investment in proven attacking depth.
The club, keen to strengthen its frontline, is banking on Sima’s ability to adapt quickly to Ligue 1 after his productive spell at Brest.
His versatility across the forward line, combined with his European experience, makes him a valuable addition as Lens look to compete both domestically and in continental competitions.
From the youth pitches of ASC Aspa in Parcelles-Assainies to the demanding arenas of European football, Sima’s journey has been marked by setbacks and comebacks.
Now tied to Lens for the next five years, he has the platform to establish himself as a key figure in French football — and finally turn his potential into lasting success.
𝙻𝚎𝚜 𝙻𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙾𝙸𝚂 𝚏𝚘𝚗𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚘 📺
Épisode 8 : Bollaert-Delelis comme terminus. 🚄
𝙰𝙱𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙻𝙰𝙷 𝚂𝙸𝙼𝙰 𝙴𝚂𝚃 𝙻𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙾𝙸𝚂. ✍️#LesLensois pic.twitter.com/QPYpf4cDgD
— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) August 29, 2025
