Thorgan Hazard set for Lens return on free transfer from Anderlecht
RC Lens are poised to complete the signing of Belgian international Thorgan Hazard on a free transfer this summer, according to reports from Belgian newspaper La DH. The 33-year-old attacker, whose contract with RSC Anderlecht expires in June, has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 side, marking a return to the club where he began his professional career. The French sports daily L'Équipe has also confirmed the agreement.
Hazard is set to return to Lens fourteen years after his initial departure for Chelsea in 2012. He originally joined the club's academy in 2007 from Belgian side Tubize, developing there before his move to England. Since then, his career has taken him to the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund, as well as a stint with PSV Eindhoven, before his homecoming to Anderlecht in 2023.
This season in Belgium, Hazard has enjoyed a prolific campaign, scoring 15 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions for Anderlecht. A versatile forward, he is capable of playing as a central striker, on either wing, or even in a more withdrawn role. His form has underlined his continued value at the highest level, despite his age.
The move represents a significant piece of business for Lens, who secure an experienced and proven performer without a transfer fee. For Hazard, it offers a sentimental conclusion to his career trajectory, bringing him back to the club that first nurtured his talent. Lens will be looking to him to add creativity and goal threat as they aim to build on their recent campaigns in Ligue 1 and European competition.
With 47 caps and 9 goals for Belgium, Hazard brings a wealth of international experience to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. His arrival is part of Lens's strategy to blend youth development with seasoned professionals, a model that has served them well in recent years. The transfer is expected to be formally completed once the summer transfer window opens, following the expiration of his current deal in Brussels.
