Adrien Thomasson, Wesley Saïd et Malang Sarr, Lens take cautious approach to three expiring deals | OneFootball

Lens are taking a measured approach to extensions for Adrien Thomasson, Wesley Saïd and Malang Sarr, all out of contract in June, with a Champions League return in sight.

According to L'Équipe, Lens are 10 points clear of Marseille in fourth and 16 ahead of Lille. They strengthened in January and are chasing the podium and a first Coupe de France, yet chief executive Benjamin Parrot and sporting director Jean-Louis Leca are keeping a strict financial line, with regular talks but no promise of major rises for players already above €100,000 gross a month.

The wait-and-see stance is double edged, since free agents of that calibre could attract rich offers with no fees attached. The club want to avoid a repeat of the post 2022-2023 wage inflation that forced austerity from spring 2024.

Sportingly, Sarr is the priority after arriving free from Chelsea last summer to anchor a rebuilt defence. The report notes he averages 6.1 in player ratings, best in Ligue 1, and he is thriving while targeting Senegal selection, wanting clarity on the project and not making it about money.

Thomasson has worn the armband in Ligue 1 with captain Florian Sotoca yet to start a match, and at 32 he is weighing one of his last deals without a deadline amid extra competition from Amadou Haidara and Andrija Bulatovic. A Champions League return appeals, but term length and limited headroom on wages matter.

Saïd’s case is similar. He is enjoying his best Lens season since 2021 with eight goals and two assists, but his place is under threat from Saint-Maximin. At 30, he could seek a final big contract and has voiced his affection for the club, saying staying would be a pleasure if that is how it goes.

Source: L'Équipe