Saud Abdulhamid shines on right as Ruben Aguilar recovers, leaving Pierre Sage a new puzzle | OneFootball

Saud Abdulhamid, the first Saudi in Ligue 1, has become Lens’s crowd favourite on the right, thriving while Ruben Aguilar recovers and giving Pierre Sage a fresh selection dilemma.

He is set for his 10th start and 20th Ligue 1 appearance when Angers visit on Friday. He has two assists, a won penalty and a strike in the 3-0 win over Metz two weeks ago, plus another assist and goal in the Coupe de France. According to L'Équipe, Lens want to keep him this summer, with an option to buy near €3.5m and a Roma buy-back at €4m.

The 26-year-old arrived on loan from Roma after only eight appearances in 2024-2025, having joined from Al Hilal for €2.5m. A 48-cap international with one goal, he says he has settled into European rhythms.

Used as a right wing-back, Abdulhamid attacks with relish, offering variety that contrasts with Aguilar’s greater defensive security.

Sage links the surge to a run of matches, rising confidence and better coordination with team-mates, and says Aguilar’s injury opened the door, creating a new decision for him.

His understanding with Florian Thauvin is growing, the forward often drifting infield to free the flank. A celebrity since helping Saudi Arabia shock Argentina 2-1 at the 2022 World Cup under Hervé Renard, he will be a pillar of the national team in the United States this summer. Abdulhamid hopes to stay at Lens but says he will leave talks to his agents.

Source: L'Équipe