RC Lens have expressed strong interest in acquiring Alban Lafont, as the Ligue 1 side prepares to reinforce its goalkeeping department ahead of the new season.
The pursuit follows a period of transition for the club, with Brice Samba departing last winter and Hervé Koffi expected to join Angers this summer.
Lafont, 25, who holds both French and Burkinabè nationality, is eager to revive his career after a turbulent season at FC Nantes.
He was sidelined for the entire second half of the 2024 campaign by head coach Antoine Kombouaré, a move that has left the goalkeeper determined to seek a new challenge during this summer’s transfer window.
Despite his absence from the pitch in recent months, Lafont remains a highly regarded figure in French football, attracting interest from several Ligue 1 clubs.
According to Italian journalist Luca Bendoni, RC Lens have now joined Lille and Brest in monitoring the goalkeeper’s situation closely.
Lafont, who began his professional career at Toulouse before a brief spell at Fiorentina in Italy, has been with Nantes since 2019. He is under contract with the club until June 2027 and currently earns an annual salary of €1.5 million.
However, the likelihood of him remaining with the Canaries appears to be diminishing, as both the player and the club consider a potential separation.
For Lens, the need for a reliable first-choice goalkeeper has become a priority. With their two most recent options either gone or on the verge of departing, the northern outfit is in search of a steady and experienced presence between the posts. Lafont, with over 250 professional appearances and extensive Ligue 1 experience, fits that profile.
The dual-nationality keeper brings a blend of agility, shot-stopping prowess, and leadership qualities, which have earned him plaudits throughout his career—even during difficult spells.
His recent benching has not deterred suitors, who see his situation at Nantes as an opportunity to secure a high-quality goalkeeper at a potentially accessible price.
What remains unclear is whether RC Lens will take their interest further by making an official offer. No club has yet submitted a formal bid, but the transfer window is still in its early stages.
The next few weeks could prove decisive as teams solidify their squads for the 2025–26 season.
Lafont is believed to be open to a move that will allow him to play regularly and restore his standing as one of Ligue 1’s top goalkeepers.
A switch to Lens, a club with European ambitions and a need for stability at the back, could present the ideal platform for that resurgence.
As the market unfolds, Lafont’s situation is likely to draw increasing attention. His next destination could not only reignite his career but also shape the ambitions of the club that secures his signature.
