Brice Samba is set to depart from RC Lens to join Rennes. He is being replaced by Pau Lopez at RC Lens.

Brice Samba requested to leave RC Lens after interest from Jorge Sampaoli and Rennes. Negotiations are ongoing, but they have become tense with no agreement reached yet. The club is actively seeking a replacement goalkeeper.

Will Still, the coach of Lens, confirmed the firm intention of Brice Samba to leave Lens for Rennes. Brice Samba is expected to sign with Rennes until 2029. The transfer fee is estimated between 12 to 15 million euros. The decision was made during the player's vacation, and an offer was received. Will Still acknowledged that keeping a player who does not want to stay is not good for the team dynamics.

Rennes is nearing the completion of a significant transfer deal for Brice Samba, the international goalkeeper currently with Lens. The two clubs have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement. Brice Samba, who is 30 years old, is regarded as a crucial player because of his performance since summer 2022 and his role as captain. The transfer fee is expected to exceed €14 million. Upon completion of the transfer, Samba is anticipated to sign a long-term contract, likely extending until 2029. Joseph Oughourlian, the president of Lens, personally led the negotiations. Initially, he was hesitant to let Samba go due to the player's influence within the team and his popularity among fans. Nonetheless, the necessity to balance the club's finances and reduce the wage bill significantly influenced the decision. Brice Samba, who has previously worked with Rennes' president Arnaud Pouille during their time in the north, is considered a good fit for the playing style favored by Rennes' new coach Jorge Sampaoli.