Lens Coach Admits ‘We Wanted To Keep Andy Diouf’ – Adds ‘We Couldn’t Turn Down Offer’ From Inter Milan | OneFootball

Lens coach Pierre Sage admits that the Ligue 1 side wanted to keep midfielder Andy Diouf, but “couldn’t turn down” Inter Milan’s offer.

The coach gave his thoughts ahead of his team’s clash with Le Havre this weekend, via FCInterNews.

Lens midfielder Andy Diouf is on the verge of joining Inter Milan.

Reportedly, the 22-year-old will undergo his medicals today already. This after a whirlwind round of negotiations that saw the Nerazzurri wrap up a deal in less than 48 hours.

Reports indicate that the Nerazzurri have agreed a deal at a fee of €25 million including add-ons.

Inter will pay Lens an initial fee of €20 million for Diouf. Then, there could be an additional €5 million in add-ons.

Lens Coach Sage: “Wanted To Keep Andy Diouf, But Couldn’t Turn Down Inter Milan’s Offer”

SEVILLE, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 20: Andy Diouf of RC Lens looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and RC Lens at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 20, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Lens coach Pierre Sage gave his thoughts on the transfer.

“We wanted to keep Andy Diouf,” he said. “And help him to keep growing.”

“He’s still a young player,” Sage noted of the 22-year-old Frenchman.

“But the opportunity that was offered to him and to the club was not something that we could turn down,” Sage stated.

“It’s not yet fully finalized,” Sage said of the transfer of Diouf to Inter. “But we hope to get it over the line.”