As announced via FC Mainz’s official social channels, RC Lens have signed attacking midfielder Angelo Fulgini (26) on loan with an option to buy the player permanently in the summer.
RC Lens made a surprise move in the final hours of the transfer window by securing the loan of Fulgini from Mainz. The 26-year-old, who was under contract until 2026, was expected to join the second-placed Ligue 1 club on a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option, reported by L’Équipe.
Mohamed Toubache reported that Lyon tried to force a move for the player, with OGC Nice expressing interest. However, he reported that Fulgini only wanted to join Lens. He also reported that the mandatory purchase option was valued at €7.2m.
Lens had been following Fulgini for several months. The club decided to make a move this winter to anticipate the possible departure of Alexis Claude-Maurice next summer, who was on loan without an option to buy from OGC Nice.
L’Équipe reported earlier that day that Troyes attempted to make one final signing before the transfer window deadline by trying to secure the return of Fulgini to France.
The Abidjan-born player had made 16 league appearances since making the move across the Rhine, although the majority of those were substitute cameos for the German top flight’s 11th-placed side. He joined the Bundesliga club that summer on a four-year deal.
GFFN | George Boxall
