When news emerged that RC Lens was on the verge of signing Samson Baidoo from Red Bull Salzburg during the summer, an inevitable comparison began to surface. As a centre-back adept at playing in the middle of a back three, Baidoo seemed to be the ideal successor to Kevin Danso, who departed for Tottenham Hotspur midway through the previous season.
Lens made a concerted effort to keep their interest in Baidoo under wraps for as long as possible. To maintain their advantage, they needed to act swiftly and discreetly, especially since the 21-year-old was attracting attention from wealthier clubs in the Premier League, although those teams had yet to take action. However, as soon as rumors surfaced that Lens had initiated contact, it was clear that other clubs would soon present competitive offers. Reports confirmed just that.
Advertisement
L’Équipe reported that two Premier League teams sent representatives in an attempt to secure Baidoo. They proposed a significantly more lucrative deal for both the player and the club, but they arrived too late. Lens had quietly laid the groundwork for a reported €8 million deal and successfully made a compelling argument for the young Austrian to continue his development in France, aided by testimonials from their former player.
Danso’s Influence on Baidoo’s Decision
Baidoo mentioned to the French outlet that Danso had reached out to him before the move, stating, “If I want to focus solely on football, [Lens] is the place to be. He’s transformed here as a person and a player. He’s given me a lot of confidence.” This choice has proven to be fortunate for the young defender, who has delivered standout performances as part of a team currently sitting at the top of the league, thanks to their strong defensive displays.
This accomplishment is even more remarkable considering that the Lens defense was significantly weakened over the past two transfer windows with the departures of key players like Danso, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Facundo Medina. Baidoo has effectively moved on from their legacy, and it is becoming increasingly clear that when he eventually leaves northern France, it will be for a much higher fee than what Lens initially invested in him.