Udinese and RC Lens have reportedly reached an agreement for the transfer of forward Florian Thauvin, valued at €6 million, marking his anticipated return to French football. This move sees the experienced winger heading back to his home country.
Thauvin is expected to arrive in France this evening, with a crucial medical examination scheduled for Wednesday. This marks the final step before the deal is officially sealed.
Negotiations, which had been progressing significantly over recent days, accelerated quickly to finalize the comprehensive agreement between the two clubs.
According to reports from French media, the confirmed transfer fee for the operation is €6 million. Thauvin is poised to sign a long-term contract with RC Lens, extending his commitment to the club until June 2028.
However, leading Italian sports outlets, Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset, have cited a potentially higher fee of €8 million. This discrepancy could be attributed to the inclusion of performance-based bonuses in the total package.
Thauvin`s Tenure at Udinese Concludes
The 32-year-old attacker initially joined Udinese as a free agent in January 2023, following a brief and somewhat unexpected stint with Mexican club Tigres. His time in Italy provided a return to European club football after his venture abroad.
Notably, Thauvin had only recently extended his contract with Udinese through June 2026, despite it initially being set to expire at the end of last season. This extension highlights his value to the Friulani side.
The opportunity to rejoin a French club, specifically RC Lens, proved irresistible for Thauvin, who had been playing away from his homeland since 2021. The chance to be closer to home and contribute to a Ligue 1 team was a key factor in his decision.
His extensive professional career includes previous significant spells at Bastia, Lille, Olympique Marseille, and Newcastle United, showcasing his wide-ranging experience in top European leagues.
During his tenure with Udinese, Thauvin made 73 competitive appearances across all competitions. He contributed an impressive total of 15 goals and provided 10 assists, proving to be a vital attacking asset for the team.
Adding to his impactful role, Thauvin was also honored with the captain`s armband for the Friulani side, demonstrating his leadership qualities on and off the pitch.