Senegalese Nampalys Mendy signs for Lens for 2 seasons

Senegal international midfielder Nampalys Mendy has signed a two-season contract with RC Lens, the club announced today;After making his professional debut at Monaco, the 31-year-old exploded onto the scene at neighbours OGC Nice before being transferred to Leicester, where he was relegated at the end of last season.

The diminutive defensive midfielder (1.67m), renowned for his hard work, has bolstered the midfield for Les Sang et Or, who have been struggling at the start of the season since the departure of their emblematic captain Séko Fofana, who was transferred to Saudi club Al-Nassr this summer.

«Nampalys Mendy has what it takes to thrive in the Lens system, which requires a lot of high-intensity running and regular outlets» RCL said in a press release..

An experienced midfielder, Mendy has 27 caps for the Lions of Teranga, who will be crowned African champions in 2022, and has made more than 250 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Premier League.

Mendy is Lens’ 10th signing after the arrivals of French striker Elye Wahi, defenders Ruben Aguilar and Faitout Maouassa, Uzbek Abdukodir Khusanov, Guinean Morgan Guilavogui, Colombian Oscar Cortes, Frenchmen Andy Diouf and Neil El Aynaoui and Dutchman Stijn Spierings.

Lens, 2nd last season, are 17th in Ligue 1 with just one point and have conceded 10 goals after four games.

In the Champions League, Lens face Sevilla, Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven in Group B.

Justine Thabita