Amadou Haïdara has spoken publicly for the first time since completing his transfer to RC Lens, describing his excitement at joining the northern French club while away on international duty with Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The 27-year-old midfielder was confirmed as Lens’ first signing of the winter window only days ago, arriving from RB Leipzig on a three-year contract.
With his national team commitments delaying an immediate return to France, Haïdara chose social media to share his initial reaction, offering a message of gratitude to his new employers and a promise of commitment to the supporters who will soon welcome him to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
“Very proud to join Racing Club de Lens. Thank you to the club and everyone who made this possible for their confidence. I can’t wait to give my all on the pitch and meet the Lens supporters. See you very soon at Bollaert,” Haïdara wrote on Instagram.
The statement, brief but heartfelt, was enough to generate a wave of enthusiasm among Lens fans, many of whom are eager to see how Haïdara will integrate into a side currently leading the Ligue 1 standings.
Although he has yet to take part in training with his new teammates, his words offered reassurance that he is already embracing the challenge ahead.
Haïdara’s move marks a significant moment for the Artois club, who had been searching for reinforcements to sustain their title push through the second half of the season.
By securing the Malian international early in the winter market, Lens have underlined their ambition, acting decisively despite the player’s ongoing involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Haïdara, the timing of the transfer means his introduction to French domestic football will be shaped by his continental commitments.
Currently in Morocco with the Eagles of Mali, he remains fully focused on his national team duties, yet his message suggested that his thoughts are already drifting towards northern France and the prospect of pulling on the red and gold shirt for the first time.
The midfielder’s career path has taken him across Europe, and his arrival in Ligue 1 represents a fresh chapter at the age of 27.
While Lens supporters will have to wait until the conclusion of Mali’s AFCON campaign to see him in person, the club’s announcement and Haïdara’s own words have ensured that anticipation is building rapidly.
His choice to address fans directly, even before stepping onto the pitch at Bollaert, has been interpreted as a sign of his eagerness to connect with the club’s fervent following.
Known for creating one of the most intense atmospheres in French football, the Lens crowd has often been described as a “twelfth man”, and Haïdara’s reference to meeting the supporters hints at his awareness of that reputation.
As the Africa Cup of Nations continues, Lens will monitor their new recruit from afar, counting down the days until he can link up with the squad.
For now, his first words as a Lens player have set the tone: pride in the move, gratitude to those who made it happen, and an unmistakable desire to give everything for his new club.
