Goduine Koyalipou: Lens and KV Kortrijk in talks over Central African Republic forward

Goduine Koyalipou, the Central African Republic and French centre-forward currently at Lens, is being linked with a move to Belgian side KV Kortrijk as the Jupiler Pro League club look to strengthen their attack. Initial discussions are understood to be focused on the structure of a deal rather than a fee, with Lens conscious of the 26-year-old’s contract running until 30 June 2028.

Koyalipou joined Lens from CSKA Sofia in January 2025 for €2m and has since experienced a stop-start spell in France, including loan moves to Levante and Angers last season. He returned to Lens at the end of June following his latest loan, leaving the Ligue 1 club with a decision to make on his long-term role in the squad.

Kortrijk’s interest is thought to be driven by Koyalipou’s scoring record outside the French top flight. He was top scorer in the 2023-24 Challenger Pro League with 16 goals and previously hit 14 goals in 16 appearances in Bulgaria’s efbet Liga, figures that have marked him out as a proven finisher in second-tier and mid-level European competitions.

While his Ligue 1 numbers with Lens have been more modest, with six goals in 28 appearances, his efficiency in Belgium and Bulgaria has convinced Kortrijk that he could adapt quickly to the demands of the Jupiler Pro League. Lens, who value him at around €2.5m, are weighing up whether to cash in on a player who has yet to fully establish himself in their starting XI or retain him as depth for the coming season.

For now, Koyalipou remains under contract at Lens, with both clubs exploring whether an agreement can be reached before the new campaign begins.