RC Lens Secure Saud Abdulhamid on Loan from AS Roma

RC Lens have a deal with AS Roma to get Saudi right-back Saud Abdulhamid on loan until June 2026. They can choose to buy him later but are not obligated to.

TRANSFER COMPLETION: ABDULHAMID JOINS LENS

Saud Abdulhamid is leaving AS Roma after a tough year in Italy. He only played in eight games, scoring one goal and making one assist after his €2.5 million transfer from Al-Hilal in August 2024. Earlier talks included Toulouse, but Lens joined in when Toulouse had issues with non-EU player limits. The current deal allows Lens to keep Abdulhamid on loan until June 2026. They can choose to buy him, but they are not forced to.

LENS LOOKS TO REBUILD AFTER TOUGH YEAR

Lens had a rough 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, finishing 8th and missing European qualification by 5 points. They were far from their past European qualifying runs, having finished fifth and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League previously. The team had trouble being consistent in defense, letting in 50 goals during the season. Abdulhamid’s addition is seen as a way to give depth and energy to the right side, especially after losing several important defenders this summer. AS Roma, on the other hand, recently got Neil El Aynaoui from Lens and strengthened their right-back area with Wesley and Devyne Rensch. This left little space for Abdulhamid.

LENS GEARS UP FOR THE NEW SEASON

RC Lens will begin their new Ligue 1 season next weekend against Lyon, who were 6th last season, just one point below Lens. Both teams want to move up the standings. If Abdulhamid performs well early, he might become a regular starter and help Lens strive for a European spot again. For Abdulhamid, this loan is a critical opportunity to regain his form and show his skills in one of Europe’s top leagues.