Lens are being linked with a move for Rapid Vienna centre-back Serge-Philippe Raux‑Yao, with the transfer currently rated at a 53% probability.
The 26-year-old, who represents both France and Côte d’Ivoire at youth level, is valued at €3.50m on Transfermarkt and could prove a relatively low-cost option for the Ligue 1 side as they assess defensive reinforcements. His contract situation at Rapid Vienna is unclear, with no expiry date publicly listed, prompting suggestions he could become a free agent if no new deal is agreed.
Raux‑Yao, a left-footed central defender standing at 1.97m, currently wears the number 6 shirt for the Austrian Bundesliga club. Born in Pontoise on 30 May 1999, he has developed a reputation as a physically imposing presence at the back, offering aerial strength and a natural left-sided option in central defence – a profile that often commands a premium in the market.
The French-born defender’s recent form for Rapid Vienna has underpinned the speculation, with his performances in Austria’s top flight drawing increased attention. In his latest outing for Rapid – a Bundesliga fixture in April 2026 – he featured at centre-back in a tight encounter, helping to keep the scoreline close despite his side’s defensive workload, underlining the solidity that has made him one of the more notable stoppers in the league.
With his market value sitting at €3.50m, any transfer fee – or the possibility of him running down his deal and leaving as a free agent – is likely to be a key factor in negotiations. For Lens, the chance to bring in a tall, left-footed defender with experience in a European top division would add depth and tactical flexibility.
If the move materialises, a return to French football could be a pivotal step in Raux‑Yao’s career, offering a higher-profile platform in Ligue 1 to enhance his reputation and unlock his full potential.
