RC Lens has finalized an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the transfer of 24-year-old forward Abdallah Sima. Lens intensified their pursuit of Sima amidst reports that Morgan Guilavogui (27) was nearing a move to Southampton FC. Sima`s arrival is expected to pave the way for Guilavogui to reunite with former Lens head coach Will Still at the Championship club.
Sima is well-acquainted with the French league, having previously played for Angers SCO on loan from Brighton, and notably spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois, where he gained experience in the UEFA Champions League.
The deal, valued at €4.5 million plus performance-related bonuses, appears to have convinced the Premier League club to allow the forward to depart permanently after four consecutive loan spells. Sima is set to sign a four-year contract. However, this transfer is likely to be completed too late for him to feature in Lens`s upcoming Friday night fixture against his former club, Brest.
