Lens released a statement on Tuesday confirming the signing of 27-year-old Malian midfielder Amadou Haidara. The two sides signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, valid until June 30, 2029.

Haidara is a transfer from RB Leipzig. His contract with RB Leipzig was originally set to expire in June 2026, and the transfer fee is expected to be €2 million plus €1 million in add-ons.

Following the completion of the transfer, Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Lecce said: "We are delighted to welcome Amadou to the team at the end of 2025. Amadou is a talented midfielder with extensive experience at both the club and national team levels."

“Amadou proved himself to be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga at Leipzig, and his skills, forward runs, and tackling abilities are now renowned throughout Europe. He showed a strong desire to join throughout the negotiations, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him and his team for their professionalism and efficiency in the communication process.”

“Amadou is a man of exceptional character who values family very much, and these two qualities are of paramount importance to us. Following in the footsteps of Sedou Keita, Masadio Haidara, Shek Doucoure and Mamadou Sangare, he will continue the wonderful history between Mali and Lens. Just as we have done with Mamadou before, the club will fully support him during the Africa Cup of Nations and looks forward to his return to the team in January.”

Haidara came through the renowned JMG youth academy in Bamako, Mali, and in July 2016, he used Red Bull Salzburg as a springboard to Europe. According to Transfermarkt, he made 83 appearances for RB Salzburg, contributing 12 goals and 17 assists, and won 3 Austrian Bundesliga titles and 2 Austrian Cups with the team.

Before his transfer to Lens, Haidara had played for RB Leipzig for six years. Since joining in January 2019 for €19 million, he made 222 appearances for RB Leipzig, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists, winning two German Cup titles with the team.