Herve Koffi poised for Union Saint-Gilloise loan move after standout Angers season

Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi is expected to leave Lens on loan for Union Saint-Gilloise, despite impressing on loan at Angers in Ligue 1 last season.

The 27-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Stade Bollaert, where he faces strong competition from first-choice keeper Rissier, and had long been tipped to depart the club this summer.

French media report that Koffi is now close to securing another temporary move, this time outside France, with Union Saint-Gilloise keen to bring him in ahead of their Champions League campaign.

Champions League qualifiers target Koffi

Union Saint-Gilloise, who have qualified for the Champions League, are looking to strengthen in goal as they prepare for European competition and see Koffi as a key target for their continental run.

The Belgian club are understood to want the Lens keeper specifically for their European fixtures, having been impressed by his performances in France’s top flight last season with Angers.

Koffi, who has previous experience in Belgian football with Mouscron and Sporting Charleroi, is not opposed to the move and is open to returning to a league and country he already knows well.

Lens future blocked despite strong Ligue 1 campaign

Although Koffi enjoyed what has been described as a very strong season with Angers in Ligue 1, his path to the number one spot at Lens remains blocked.

The Burkina Faso international, a regular for the national team and regarded as one of the standout goalkeepers in Ligue 1 last season, has therefore been expected to move on for some time.

Koffi’s status as one of the best-performing keepers in the French top flight during the previous campaign has helped attract interest, with Union Saint-Gilloise emerging as the leading contender for his signature on a loan deal.

While no official announcement has yet been made by Lens or Union Saint-Gilloise, all indications in the French press point towards Koffi heading back to Belgium on loan as he looks to secure regular football and the opportunity to feature in the Champions League.