Soumano joins Stade Reims on free transfer from Lorient in Ligue 2 move

Stade Reims have signed Senegalese centre-forward Sambou Soumano from FC Lorient on a free transfer. The 25-year-old leaves the Ligue 1 side to join Reims, who compete in Ligue 2, ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Soumano, valued at 3.5m at the time of the move, has been registered with shirt number 99 at Reims. The deal marks a permanent departure from Lorient, where he had been under contract since progressing from their B team into the first team in January 2022.

Born in Dakar in January 2001, the 1.82m right-footed striker has built up experience across the French and Belgian systems. During his time with Lorient, he spent loan spells at Belgian club KAS Eupen and French sides Rodez AF and Quevilly-Rouen Metropole, gaining regular senior minutes before returning each time to the Breton club.

Soumanos stock has risen steadily in recent seasons. After an initial seven-figure valuation at Lorient in 2022, his market value climbed through further loan spells and first-team exposure, peaking at 4m in late 2025 before stabilising at 3.5m ahead of this summers switch to Reims.

Before breaking through at Lorient, Soumano developed in French lower divisions with Voltigeurs de Chateaubriant and Pau FCs reserve side, a route that provided the platform for his eventual move into the professional game and subsequent top-flight experience.

Soumano now joins Reims as a senior attacking option for the 2026-27 Ligue 2 campaign.