RC Lens is on the verge of securing a significant signing, as Moroccan international Anass Zaroury is set to join the French club. This move, widely reported by French media, marks a strategic reinforcement for Lens, who are looking to bolster their squad with the talented winger.
The transfer comes just weeks after Lens signed Angolan international M’Bala Nzola as a centre-forward, further strengthening their attacking options.
Zaroury, who has earned four caps for Morocco, has not been called up since June 2023 but remains a player of considerable promise.
Foot Mercato reported on Wednesday that negotiations between Lens and Burnley, Zaroury’s current club, are nearing completion.
RC Lens head coach Will Still has been keen to add depth to his wing options, initially exploring the possibility of signing Couhaib Driouech, another Moroccan talent.
Driouech, who has been with Excelsior Rotterdam for three seasons, ultimately chose to remain in the Eredivisie, signing with PSV Eindhoven.
With that option off the table, Lens shifted their focus to Zaroury, a player who has demonstrated his abilities both in Belgium and on the international stage.
Zaroury, who was first noticed at Burnley, rose to prominence on the global stage during the 2022 World Cup.
Although he was a late addition to the Moroccan squad, replacing the injured Amine Harit, Zaroury managed to make an impact.
He featured as a substitute in the match for third place against Croatia, playing 26 minutes in Morocco’s 2-1 defeat.
Despite limited playing time, his inclusion in the World Cup squad underscored his potential and value to the team.
The deal between Lens and Burnley is reportedly valued at around €9 million, with a 20% resale clause included.
The transfer is expected to be finalized soon, with Zaroury already in France to undergo a medical examination before signing a four-year contract.
This new agreement will tie him to Lens until June 2028.
For Lens, the addition of Zaroury represents a continuation of their strategy to build a competitive squad capable of challenging in Ligue 1.
The club’s recruitment efforts this summer have been focused on bringing in players with international experience, and Zaroury’s arrival is seen as a crucial piece of that puzzle.
As the 2024-2025 season approaches, RC Lens fans will be eager to see how Zaroury integrates into the team and contributes to their campaign.
With his versatility on the wings and experience at both club and international levels, Zaroury could prove to be a valuable asset in Lens’ quest for success in the French top flight.
This transfer also highlights Lens’ ambition to compete with the top clubs in Ligue 1, as they continue to build a squad that can challenge for European qualification.
Zaroury’s signing is a clear statement of intent, and his performances on the pitch will be closely watched by both fans and pundits alike.
BREAKING 🇲🇦
Anass Zaroury 🦁 va s’engager avec le RC Lens pour un montant de 9M€ bonus inclus, avec un contrat jusqu’en 2028.
Nous lui souhaitons le meilleur dans cette nouvelle aventure en Ligue 1🇫🇷
( @Santi_J_FM ) pic.twitter.com/22HgQThRem
— Actu Foot Maroc (@ActuFootMaroc) August 21, 2024
