Samson Baidoo to face competition from Red Bull stable

Changes could soon be afoot in central defense at RC Lens.

According to "Sky", the French club is interested in El Chadaille Bitshiabu from RB Leipzig and is already in advanced negotiations with the Saxons.

This would make the 21-year-old a direct competitor for Samson Baidoo. The Austrian international is actually planned as a starter in Lens' back three, but is currently out due to injury.

Baidoo to be sidelined for even longer

Baidoo is suffering from a thigh injury and has therefore missed Lens' two competitive matches so far in the 2026/27 season. According to the club, the 21-year-old will be out for at least two more months.

Lens is therefore looking for defensive reinforcements and may have found them in Bitshiabu. The Frenchman is 1.96 meters tall and knows French football very well, having come through the PSG youth academy.

Failed to establish himself at Leipzig

Bitshiabu moved from Paris Saint-Germain to RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 but has not yet been able to establish himself sustainably with the Saxons. In the past three seasons, the central defender was mostly only third or fourth choice.

Bitshiabu also does not appear to play a major role under new coach Martin Demichelis. Leipzig also recently signed another central defender, Maxime Estève from FC Burnley – meaning the Frenchman's prospects for regular playing time are unlikely to have improved.

Loan without purchase option planned

According to "Sky", a loan deal is planned. There will be no purchase option, and the two clubs would also share the player's salary.

However, the transfer is not yet finalized. Although discussions between Lens and Leipzig are already well advanced, the deal has stalled in the final stretch.