RC Lens have entered early discussions to sign Manchester City full-back Issa Kaboré, as the French club looks to bolster its defensive line ahead of the upcoming season.
The 24-year-old Burkinabè international has spent the last several years out on loan, never managing to break into Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans at the Etihad Stadium. Kaboré’s nomadic spell continued this season, which saw him begin the campaign with Benfica before switching to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen for the latter half.
With no clear future at Manchester City, a permanent move is increasingly likely for the right-back — and RC Lens appear poised to capitalise. Reports in the French media suggest the Ligue 1 outfit have initiated talks with City over a potential deal.
Despite his high ceiling, Kaboré has yet to settle at any of the clubs he’s joined on a temporary basis. He was initially brought into the Manchester City fold in 2020 from KV Mechelen but has since been loaned to Troyes, Marseille, and most recently the aforementioned Benfica and Bremen.
The frequent changes have stalled his development, and a stable, long-term destination could be key for the next phase of his career.
RC Lens view Kaboré as an ideal addition to their squad — one that fits both their tactical requirements and long-term vision. With the club aiming to rebound from an inconsistent campaign, his pace and energy down the right flank could offer a new dimension to their play.
Another layer to the transfer is the presence of goalkeeper Hervé Koffi at Lens. Though his debut season with the club was underwhelming — making just six appearances — Koffi shares a close bond with Kaboré, both being teammates in the Burkina Faso national team.
This relationship is believed to be playing a quiet but potentially influential role in Lens’s pursuit of the defender.
Koffi, whose future at Lens has also been the subject of speculation, may find renewed motivation to stay if Kaboré joins the club.
Their chemistry on and off the pitch has been well-documented at international level, and club management are reportedly hopeful that this camaraderie could help both players settle and perform at their best.
While no agreement has been finalised, the willingness on all sides to explore the deal indicates that progress could be swift once the summer transfer window officially opens.
For Kaboré, a move to Lens could finally offer the stability and first-team football he’s struggled to secure since joining the English champions.
Lens, meanwhile, continue to work quietly but ambitiously in the market, looking to add value through smart acquisitions rather than blockbuster signings.
Kaboré fits that mould — a talented player with untapped potential who, in the right environment, could flourish.
As both clubs and the player weigh their options, the coming weeks will be pivotal. What’s clear, however, is that RC Lens are making a calculated push to bring Issa Kaboré to Stade Bollaert-Delelis — a move that could benefit all parties involved.
