RC Lens have identified LASK centre-back Melayro Bogarde as their preferred replacement for Mamadou Sangaré, who is expected to join Brentford. The French club are preparing to move for the 24-year-old Dutch defender as they brace for the departure of their current defensive stalwart.

Bogarde’s rapid rise in Austria

The Suriname international joined LASK from German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. Since arriving in Linz, Bogarde has established himself as a regular starter and key figure in the squad, playing consistently across the Austrian Bundesliga and cup competitions.

Despite being under contract with the Austrian club until 2028, Bogarde could be available for a fee in the region of €5 million. This represents a significant potential profit for LASK, who acquired the Rotterdam-born defender without paying a transfer fee just one year ago.

Brentford move triggers domino effect

Lens’s interest in Bogarde stems directly from the impending exit of Sangaré. The 24-year-old Malian is reportedly close to sealing a move to Brentford, having joined Lens from Rapid Vienna last summer for approximately €8 million.

The French club are keen to secure Bogarde’s services to ensure they do not enter the new season with a depleted defensive unit. The Dutchman’s experience in both the German and Austrian top flights suggests he could adapt quickly to the demands of Ligue 1.

Negotiations between Lens and LASK are expected to intensify in the coming days as both clubs look to finalise their respective transfer business.

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• Brentford FC

The 24-year-old Malian international established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most effective defensive midfielders last term. He was instrumental in Lens’ challenge for Champions League qualification and their triumphant Coupe de France campaign, anchoring the midfield with consistent performances throughout the season.

Palace retain interest

Despite Brentford’s advanced position, the transfer is not yet guaranteed. Crystal Palace maintain a strong interest in Sangaré and could yet outbid their London rivals. The Eagles are managed by Pierre Sage, who previously coached Lens, potentially giving them an advantage in negotiations should they decide to formalise their approach.

Midfield overhaul at the Bees

Brentford’s urgency to secure Sangaré links directly to the impending departure of Jordan Henderson. The England international is set to leave the club, with a move to Chelsea anticipated. This exit creates a significant void in the engine room that Thomas Frank is keen to fill before the window closes.

While sources indicate the framework of the deal is largely agreed between Brentford and Lens, the transfer remains at an advanced stage rather than a completed transaction. Lens stand to receive a substantial fee for a player who has become central to their domestic and European ambitions, but they may yet consider alternative offers should Crystal Palace escalate their pursuit.

Sinayoko completed a transfer worth nearly €10 million to the capital club earlier in the window, leaving Auxerre without one of their primary attacking threats. The club have acted swiftly to identify Labeau-Lascary as their designated replacement, viewing the Lens youngster as a versatile option capable of operating across the front line.

Brest Loan Demonstrates Top-Flight Credentials

The prospective move follows a productive season-long loan at Stade Brestois, where Labeau-Lascary showcased his abilities in Ligue 1. Under manager Éric Roy, the forward made 28 appearances across all competitions, contributing six goals and registering one assist.

The Brest spell materialised after a proposed permanent transfer to SCO Angers collapsed last summer. Rather than stagnate, Labeau-Lascary used the temporary move to establish himself as a valuable squad member for a competitive top-flight side. His performances have convinced Auxerre that he possesses the requisite quality to step into Sinayoko’s role.

Injury Ordeal and Mental Resilience

The forward’s campaign was unfortunately curtailed by a serious setback in January 2025, when he suffered a cruciate ligament rupture. The injury ended his season prematurely and threatened to derail his momentum following an impressive first half of the campaign.

However, Labeau-Lascary has spoken openly about his recovery process. In an interview with Get French Football News, he stated that “going through this ordeal had made me stronger”. This mental fortitude will prove essential as he battles for a starting position at his new club while completing his rehabilitation.

Deal Structure and Next Steps

If concluded as anticipated, the transfer will see Labeau-Lascary commit his future to Auxerre until June 2031. The agreement represents a significant opportunity for the player to secure regular first-team football after finding opportunities limited at his parent club.

For Auxerre, securing a player with proven Ligue 1 experience mitigates some of the risk associated with replacing a €10 million asset. The club will expect the former Stade Lavallois trainee to adapt quickly to their tactical system once fully fit. Final confirmation awaits the completion of medical checks and the formal signing of documentation.

The 27-year-old French defender has emerged as a target for several clubs following an impressive spell in Vienna. Standing at 1.97 metres, Raux-Yao has accumulated 58 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga since arriving on a free transfer from Ligue 2 side Rodez two years ago. He played every minute of Rapid Wien’s run to the 2024–25 Conference League quarter-finals, underlining his durability and consistency at continental level.

Raux-Yao’s move to Austria came without a transfer fee, meaning Rapid Wien stand to record a significant profit on the defender should they secure a permanent sale at the requested price. His consistent performances in domestic and European competition have elevated his market value considerably since leaving France.

Competition from France

Schalke face stiff competition from Ligue 1. Champions League participants RC Lens have also registered interest in the defender, adding a significant obstacle to the Gelsenkirchen club’s pursuit. The French side’s participation in Europe’s premier club competition could prove attractive to the player should formal negotiations commence, presenting a challenge for the German outfit as they seek to convince him of their project.

Defensive priorities

The Royal Blues have identified the centre-back position as a priority area requiring reinforcement ahead of their return to the Bundesliga following promotion. Managerial staff view Raux-Yao’s physical presence, aerial ability and continental experience as valuable assets for the demanding campaign ahead. However, Rapid Wien’s preference for a fixed transfer rather than a temporary arrangement with an option to buy complicates negotiations and may force Schalke to adjust their financial strategy.

What happens next

With the transfer window progressing, Schalke must decide whether to meet Rapid Wien’s valuation with a permanent bid or risk losing the player to Lens. The Austrian club’s firm stance suggests they are unwilling to sanction a departure without guaranteed immediate compensation, leaving the Bundesliga side to reconsider their approach or explore alternative targets.

Immediate impact at senior level

Despite his tender age, Mesloub has already announced himself in senior football. He made his professional debut in May, replacing a teammate late in the match against FC Nantes. The substitute made an instant impression, scoring the decisive winner just five seconds after entering the pitch to secure a 1-0 victory for Les Sang et Or.

The youngster has carried that momentum into the current preseason schedule. Operating in his preferred attacking midfield position, Mesloub found the net twice during a 4-1 friendly victory over US Boulogne CO, further demonstrating his readiness for regular senior involvement.

International options

Mesloub’s background provides him with multiple international pathways. Born in France, he currently represents Portugal at youth level. However, he also retains eligibility to represent Algeria, giving him three potential senior national teams to choose from as his career progresses.

Fending off continental rivals

Tying down the talented teenager was a top priority for Lens officials this summer. The club faced significant competition from established European outfits, with Benfica submitting a concrete contract offer and PSV Eindhoven also monitoring his situation closely.

By choosing to sign his first professional deal with Lens rather than accepting proposals from Lisbon or Eindhoven, Mesloub has demonstrated faith in the club’s pathway for young players. The agreement marks a significant retention success for the French club, who have managed to ward off interest from two well-respected developmental sides to keep their homegrown talent.

Speaking to L’Équipe, Sage explained that he made his final decision on 1 June, following the domestic cup final, after first being approached by the Eagles in December. Lens officials granted him ten days to decide his future, though he confirmed his choice almost a week before that deadline expired.

Staying put was an option

The 48-year-old rejected claims that he informed the club at the last minute, stating he told Lens hierarchy he would honour his contract if the transfer stalled. “When discussions over the transfer compensation really intensified, I said to Jean-Louis Leca and Benjamin Parrot, ‘Listen, if it gets blocked, I’ll stay,'” Sage recalled. He suggested that Lens executives had reacted poorly to his three interviews with Palace, making his departure inevitable despite his willingness to remain.

Premier League ambition

Sage maintained that ambition, not finance, drove his decision to swap northern France for south London. He turned down lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabia worth significantly more than his Palace salary. “If I had really been the mercenary some people wanted to make me out to be, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia and earned ten times more,” he said. “My logic wasn’t financial; it was to coach in the Premier League.”

His successful campaign with Les Sang et Or, which secured European football through their league position and cup triumph, established him as one of France’s most promising coaching talents. The opportunity to test himself in English football ultimately proved irresistible after months of deliberation.

Sage now faces the immediate challenge of preparing Crystal Palace for the new season while adapting to the demands of English football. His appointment represents a significant coup for the Eagles, who have secured a manager with proven pedigree in developing competitive sides.

Sangaré targeted amid United interest

The Mali international has emerged as a target for Selhurst Park, but any pursuit is complicated by Manchester United’s parallel interest in the Lens midfielder. Sangaré would represent a significant addition to Palace’s engine room, yet the competition from Old Trafford could drive up any potential fee or divert the player elsewhere.

Defensive options in France

Beyond the midfield, Palace are examining Lens defenders to bolster their backline. Whilst specific names remain unconfirmed, Ismaelo Ganiou and Samson Baidoo are understood to be of interest after both players enjoyed strong campaigns under Sage’s management in northern France.

The London club are also monitoring Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell. However, they face concrete competition from Stade Rennais for the former England youth international’s signature.

Sage’s successful Lens tenure

Sage’s links to Lens explain the recruitment focus. He departed the club after securing a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and lifting the Coupe de France trophy. Those achievements brought him to South London, and he now appears keen to reunite with players who executed his tactical plans successfully.

No deals have been concluded, with multiple French clubs also active in the market for these targets.

The Midlands side intend to submit a bid to gauge Lens’s valuation of the 21-year-old, though the French club are expected to resist any approach. Risser has emerged as a priority target for the Birmingham-based outfit as they look to reinforce their goalkeeping department.

The French shot-stopper enjoyed a standout campaign with Lens, playing a pivotal role in their historic Coupe de France victory, the club’s first-ever triumph in the competition. He also featured prominently as Lens pushed Paris Saint-Germain to the penultimate game of the season in a tense Ligue 1 title race.

His domestic form earned international recognition, with France manager Didier Deschamps naming him as the third-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup squad. The call-up capped a remarkable rise for the youngster, who has established himself among the most promising keepers in French football.

Risser developed through the ranks at RC Strasbourg Alsace before gaining valuable experience through loan spells with Red Star in Ligue 2 and Dijon SCO in the Championnat National. These stints provided the foundation for his rapid progression at Lens.

Villa understand that securing Risser’s signature will prove challenging. Lens are not prepared to accept his departure readily, indicating that any potential transfer would require substantial negotiations. The move is contingent upon Martínez, 33, completing his expected exit, with Villa acting proactively to identify a replacement capable of stepping into the first team.

• French manager signs three-year deal at Selhurst Park
• Previously led RC Lens to second place in Ligue 1 and Coupe de France glory
• Replaces trophy-winning manager Oliver Glasner
• Was appointed after first choice Andoni Iraola joined Liverpool

Crystal Palace have named Pierre Sage as their new head coach. The Premier League club gave the Frenchman a three-year contract.

Sage is 47 years old. He joins from RC Lens in France. Last season, he guided Lens to second place in Ligue 1. He also won the Coupe de France with them.

The London club wanted Andoni Iraola first. However, Iraola joined Liverpool instead. So Palace turned to Sage.

This is only Sage’s third job as a top-level head coach. He spent 14 months at Lyon. He left there in January 2025. Then he had one season at Lens.

He takes over from Oliver Glasner. The Austrian was Palace’s most successful manager ever. Glasner won the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League with the club.

Palace like Sage’s tactical ideas. He uses a similar system to Glasner. This helped him get the job.

Sage spoke about his new role. He praised Glasner’s work. He said he wants to match that success. “We come here with a lot of ambition,” he stated. “The dynamic here is really positive.”

• Crystal Palace have agreed terms to hire Pierre Sage from French club RC Lens
• The 57-year-old will sign a three-year contract with an option to extend until 2029
• Sage becomes the chosen candidate after Andoni Iraola accepted the Liverpool job
• He led Lens to their first-ever trophy by winning the Coupe de France this season
• The new boss favours a back-three system similar to outgoing manager Oliver Glasner

Crystal Palace have secured an agreement in principle to appoint Pierre Sage as their new head coach. The Premier League side are now finalising a compensation package with RC Lens to release the Frenchman from his current contract.

Sage is set to put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Selhurst Park. The contract includes an option for an extra year, which would keep him at the club until the summer of 2029.

The Eagles turned their attention to Sage after their primary target, Andoni Iraola, joined Liverpool instead. Palace urgently need a new manager because Oliver Glasner has decided not to renew his contract, which expires on 30 June.

Sage enjoyed an outstanding campaign at Lens. He guided the club to their maiden trophy by lifting the Coupe de France. He also mounted a serious challenge for the Ligue 1 title, leading the table ahead of Paris Saint-Germain at the end of February.

The French coach prefers to use a back-three formation. This tactical approach mirrors the system that Glasner used during Crystal Palace’s most successful period, which saw the club win the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League.

Sage has never managed in English football before. However, Glasner also arrived at Palace without any Premier League experience and still led the team to multiple trophies.