Allan Saint-Maximin will leave RC Lens to join Charlotte FC, the Ligue 1 club confirmed on Thursday evening. The move will take place at the end of the 2025-2026 season, bringing an end to a short spell in northern France for the French winger. No transfer fee has been disclosed at this time.
Saint-Maximin arrived at Lens in February from Club America in Mexico, quickly becoming a notable contributor during the second half of the Ligue 1 campaign. Lens described him as a “key player” in a club statement, wishing him well for his future career. The 29-year-old made 13 appearances for the club, starting four matches, and directly contributed to eight goals with four goals and three assists.
In a post on his Instagram account, Saint-Maximin expressed his gratitude to the Lens supporters, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision. He specifically thanked the club’s sporting director, Jean-Louis Leca, praising their friendship and opportunity. He also lauded outgoing manager Pierre Sage, describing him as one of the best coaches of his career and expressing hope for a future reunion.
Prior to joining Lens, Saint-Maximin had spent several years in the Premier League with Newcastle United, where he became known for his dribbling ability and attacking flair. His time at Newcastle was punctuated by periods of both impressive form and injury setbacks. The move to Charlotte represents a new chapter for the player, as he transitions to Major League Soccer. This transfer allows Charlotte to add a dynamic attacking option to their squad, while Saint-Maximin gains a new environment to continue his career.
