RC Lens officially announced on Friday, August 29, 2025, the signing of Abdallah Sima from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 24-year-old Senegalese forward, who was loaned to Stade Brestois last season, joins the Sang et Or for a transfer fee of €4.5 million, excluding bonuses. He has signed a four-season contract with the club, marking a significant reinforcement in attack for the Ligue 1 side.
Sima, versatile across the front line, stood out with his scoring ability and adaptability, which convinced Lens to pay the amount needed to activate the final year of his contract with Brighton. During his loan at Brest last season, he scored 12 goals in 40 matches across all competitions, confirming his potential in French football. His arrival is expected to compensate for the imminent departure of Morgan Guilavogui to Southampton, thereby strengthening Lens’ offensive squad.
This signing comes after negotiations with Lassine Sinayoko failed, reflecting RC Lens’ desire to accelerate their recruitment during this transfer window. The quick investment in Sima is also explained by the fact that his contract with Brighton was set to expire in summer 2026, prompting clubs to finalize the deal swiftly. Already experienced in Ligue 1 from his spells with Angers and Brest, the Senegalese player arrives with the ambition to provide goal-scoring efficiency to the club.
RC Lens can therefore count on an experienced striker despite his young age, capable of playing multiple attacking positions. This transaction confirms the club’s ambitions to secure a stable high-table position in Ligue 1. Sima is expected to be quickly integrated into the squad and become a key element in the offensive strategy of Eric Sikora, the Lens coach.