Amadou Haidara’s Big Deal Numbers Revealed

As we reported 48 hours ago, the partnership between RC Lens and Amadou Haidara is about to be finalized. The Malian midfielder, who has an impressive record of 159 Bundesliga matches (11 goals and 11 assists) and 37 Champions League appearances, is set to join the team. Enticed by the project of the current Ligue 1 leaders and the chance to play alongside his national teammate Mamadou Sangaré, the Bamako native has agreed to make significant financial sacrifices to complete the transfer. While the final administrative details are being addressed between the two clubs, the financial aspects of this major move are becoming clearer.

According to our information, Lens will pay a modest €2 million (with a €1 million performance-related bonus) to secure the services of the 27-year-old international. This fee is quite low for a player still valued at €12 million on Transfermarkt (and even €20 million a year ago). The deal benefits everyone: RB Leipzig sheds a hefty salary (over €3 million annually) and a player they no longer rely on (having played no minutes this season). Meanwhile, Lens management pulls off a remarkable acquisition at a low cost, although fans will have to wait a bit to see Haidara in action as he heads off in the coming days to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali.