Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed that loyalty to former teammate Jean-Louis Leca was the decisive factor in his surprise January transfer to RC Lens. The French winger joined the Ligue 1 side on a permanent deal from Mexican club Club América, according to his own comments in a press conference ahead of Lens's match against Nice. While financial details of the transfer remain undisclosed, Saint-Maximin emphasized that the move was not motivated by monetary terms.
Saint-Maximin explained that Leca, his captain during their time together at SC Bastia and now Lens's sporting director, played the pivotal role. "I am a very loyal person, I think I have demonstrated that throughout my career," Saint-Maximin said. "Jean-Louis, I met him when I was at Bastia, it was my first full season as a professional. When I arrived, he was the captain, he really welcomed me as if I were his brother. In everything I needed, he was always there for me. I always told him that if he ever needed me one day, I would be there."
The opportunity arose after a brief spell in Mexico, following Saint-Maximin's departure from the Premier League's Newcastle United last summer. The 27-year-old admitted that a return to France was not initially planned for his family. "For my family, everyone, it had been a while since we left France. We had gotten used to life abroad," he stated. However, Leca's personal appeal and his description of the club's need convinced him. Saint-Maximin said he agreed immediately, without discussing financials, telling Leca: "Don't worry, you're my friend, I'm coming and I will give my maximum to try to help the club achieve its objectives."
The transfer marks Saint-Maximin's return to French football after more than six years, having previously played for Saint-Étienne and Nice before his move to England. At Lens, he has been utilized primarily as an offensive option from the bench by manager Pierre Sage and has already made a positive impact, most recently contributing in a dramatic draw against Brest. His arrival follows a similar path taken by fellow French international Florian Thauvin, who also returned to Ligue 1 after a stint abroad.
For Lens, securing a player of Saint-Maximin's profile and experience represents a significant coup in the winter window as they aim to solidify their position in the upper half of the table. His explosive dribbling ability and flair add a new dimension to their attacking options for the season's run-in. The move underscores the influential role of personal relationships in the transfer market, with Saint-Maximin's decision rooted firmly in a bond formed a decade ago in Corsica.
