Lens push on all fronts before Champions League return | OneFootball

One month before PSG visit Bollaert for the Trophée des Champions on 16 August, Lens are pushing on all fronts. New head coach Dino Toppmöller is settling in as recruitment advances.

According to L'Équipe, Wednesday’s open session, six days after the restart, kept the trademark intensity, with sprints to press and work to free the wide man. Toppmöller, appointed on 16 June, barked instructions in French, English and German, backed by assistants Ervin Skela and Nelson Morgado, while Jamal Alioui has departed with Pierre Sage for Crystal Palace.

Preparation continues with a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday against Boulogne-sur-Mer (Ligue 2). Three early arrivals have added impetus: Michaël Cuisance, 26, from Hertha Berlin for 3.5 million euros plus 1.5 million euros in bonuses and a sell-on, Thorgan Hazard, 33, returning after his Anderlecht deal ended, and Poland international Michal Skoras, 26, from La Gantoise for 6 million euros plus 750,000 euros in bonuses.

Senior figures are keeping a measured plan, targeting long-tracked profiles and avoiding the spending rush seen before 2023. The squad is being trimmed, with Angelo Fulgini released to Al-Khaleej and Agbonifo and Koyalipou close to moves. Exits for Wesley Saïd and Adrien Thomasson have already been covered.

Defence is a priority after Malang Sarr left on a free and Ismaëlo Ganiou drew strong interest from major European clubs. Lens are working on PSV defender Armando Obispo, 27, who featured at the World Cup with Curaçao. PSV want 5 million euros and he has one year left.

Planning is also under way in case Mamadou Sangaré or Odsonne Edouard depart. Toppmöller accepts some quality has gone, is content with the group for now, and trusts recruitment to react quickly if needed.

No talks have been opened with Juventus, but Lens are studying a loan return for Loïs Openda as a contingency. His Italian salary, above 600,000 euros, and heavy competition complicate any move.

Source: L'Équipe