RC Lens have opened negotiations with RB Leipzig over a loan move for defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu. The French club are pursuing the 21-year-old ahead of the transfer deadline, though the Bundesliga side reportedly prefers a permanent sale.
Bitshiabu, a French centre-back currently registered with the German club, has emerged as a target for Lens as they seek to reinforce their defensive ranks. The Ligue 1 outfit have formally entered talks regarding a temporary switch for the young defender.
Player keen on France return
The defender is understood to be interested in the prospective move. A switch to Lens would facilitate a return to his native France and provide the opportunity to feature in the UEFA Champions League. Lens secured qualification for Europe’s elite club competition, enhancing their appeal as a destination.
Despite Bitshiabu’s willingness and Lens’s interest, the structure of any deal remains contentious. Leipzig are reportedly reluctant to sanction a loan departure, instead favouring a permanent transfer that would remove the player from their books entirely.
Financial hurdles remain
For a loan agreement to proceed, Leipzig would need to make financial concessions to accommodate Lens’s proposal. It is not yet apparent whether the German club will adjust their stance to facilitate the defender’s exit.
As the transfer window draws to a close, Lens continue their pursuit. The negotiations represent a critical juncture for both clubs, with Lens requiring defensive reinforcements for their upcoming European campaign and Leipzig weighing the benefits of retaining the player against securing a permanent sale.