Arthur Masuaku has completed an emotional return to Lens, joining the club on loan 18 years after leaving as a teenager, Racing Club de Lens confirmed on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old left-back arrives from Sunderland on a six-month loan deal, with no option to make the move permanent.
He has been recruited as a direct replacement for Deiver Machado, who departed earlier this window to join Nantes in their fight against relegation.
Masuaku’s signing brings experience and familiarity with top-level football to a Lens side seeking stability and balance on the left flank.
Born in 1993, the same year as Geoffrey Kondogbia, Thorgan Hazard and Raphaël Varane, Masuaku is returning to the club where his football journey began, despite never making a senior appearance for Lens during his youth years.
He left the club 18 years ago and went on to build his professional career elsewhere, starting with Valenciennes during the 2013–14 season.
That campaign, despite ending in relegation, proved decisive in shaping his career and opening the door to opportunities abroad.
From northern France, Masuaku moved to Greece, where he enjoyed success with Olympiakos, before earning a transfer to England.
His performances in the Premier League with West Ham United established him as a recognised figure, later followed by spells at Sunderland and in Turkey with Beşiktaş.
Alongside his club career, he became a regular figure with the DR Congo national team, adding international pedigree to his profile.
The defender arrives in Lens shortly after featuring at the Africa Cup of Nations, where DR Congo were eliminated in the round of 16 by Algeria.
Despite that disappointment, his experience at both club and international level was a key factor in Lens’ decision to bring him back to familiar surroundings.
Masuaku is remembered in French football for his attacking intent and quality delivery from wide areas.
One of his most iconic moments came on 3 May, when a memorable commentary call echoed: “Masuaku cross, Odsonne Édouard header.” It was a snapshot of the qualities Lens hope he can rediscover in Ligue 1.
Now back where his journey began, Masuaku faces the challenge of helping Lens navigate the second half of the season, carrying with him nearly two decades of experience gained far from Bollaert-Delelis.
