RC Lens is set to showcase its midfield depth this Friday evening when they host Nantes in a Ligue 1 fixture. The match will provide a significant opportunity for the backup pairing of Andrija Bulatovic and Amadou Haidara, as the club's established double pivot of Mamadou Sangaré and Adrien Thomasson will be unavailable due to suspension.
The absence of Sangaré and Thomasson stems from yellow cards accumulated during the previous high-scoring 3-3 draw against Brest. While their absence is a tactical setback for the immediate match, it aligns with a broader strategic vision for the club. Coach Pierre Sage has openly discussed the planned integration of Bulatovic and Haidara, viewing them as the future core of Lens's midfield.
Sage confirmed the club's long-term plan for the 19-year-old Montenegrin talent, Andrija Bulatovic, who was acquired from Buducnost Podgorica for a reported €1.7 million. "If we recruited Bulatovic a year and a half ago, it was because there was real potential and a clear vision for his arrival and trajectory," Sage stated. "He is a player to whom we will give many more minutes next year. That is quite clear in our minds."
The same forward-thinking approach applies to Amadou Haidara, the 28-year-old Malian international signed from RB Leipzig in January for a fee around €3 million including bonuses. Sage explained the club's intention was to "accompany him for six months so he could become an important player." The coach emphasized that the club is prepared for next season, even while hoping to retain the services of Thomasson and Sangaré, whose futures involve ongoing contract negotiations and significant transfer interest, respectively.
Haidara himself has expressed eagerness for more consistent playing time, acknowledging a challenging season adapting to limited minutes. He looks forward to forming a partnership with "Bula," praising his young teammate's personality and initiative, particularly on set pieces. Bulatovic has already demonstrated his quality in recent cameos, scoring a direct free kick in a friendly against Rouen and delivering the decisive corner kick in a 3-2 victory over Toulouse.
Coach Sage drew direct comparisons between the current and future midfield units, noting that Haidara's profile mirrors that of the powerful Sangaré, while Bulatovic's style is reminiscent of the creative Thomasson. This stylistic continuity suggests a seamless transition is being engineered behind the scenes at Lens.
The upcoming match against Nantes, therefore, is more than just a single fixture; it is a preview of Lens's midfield evolution. The club's proactive recruitment and development strategy aim to ensure that when changes occur, whether through departures or natural progression, the team's competitive edge remains sharp. The performance of Bulatovic and Haidara will be closely watched as a indicator of that preparedness.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.
