Lens test Toulouse’s resolve with Gboho loan proposal

RC Lens are exploring a loan move for Toulouse FC attacking midfielder Yann Gboho as they look to take advantage of uncertainty over the Ivory Coast international’s future before the transfer window closes.

Gboho, 25, remains under contract with Toulouse FC until June 2027. However, talks over a possible extension have not produced an agreement, leaving the French club willing to consider his departure if they receive an offer that meets their valuation.

Toulouse are understood to be asking for €15m (£12.9m) to be paid immediately. That demand has so far discouraged clubs who have shown an interest in the attacking midfielder.

Lens are nevertheless hoping to find a way to make the deal work. According to 225foot, the club are considering offering an initial loan agreement that would include an option to buy Gboho for €11m.

The proposed structure would allow RC Lens to avoid paying Toulouse’s full asking price straight away, while also giving them the opportunity to make the player’s move permanent at the end of the loan. The terms would provide Lens with greater financial flexibility, although the offer remains below the €15m fee sought by Toulouse.

Further negotiations are expected to determine whether Toulouse are prepared to lower their immediate demands or accept a deal based on a loan and subsequent purchase option. The discussions could become particularly important as the end of the transfer window approaches.

Gboho’s market standing remains strong despite the lack of progress over a contract renewal. Transfermarkt values the player at €18m, a figure that is higher than both Toulouse’s current asking price and the purchase option reportedly being considered by Lens.

The player earns an annual salary of €400,000 in France, equivalent to 260,000,000 CFA francs.

For Lens, attention will soon turn to their second Ligue 1 match of the season, when they face Strasbourg. The match is another immediate focus for the club while discussions over Gboho’s future continue behind the scenes.

Betting company 1xBet lists Lens as favourites for the fixture, with odds of 1.93 for a home win. A draw is priced at 3.80, while Strasbourg are given odds of 4.10 to claim victory.