Lens officially released Angelo Fulgini (29) on Thursday, clearing the way for his move to Al‑Khaleej in Saudi Arabia. The midfielder, who has worn the Racing shirt since 2022, will sign a contract until June 2028 with the Saudi Pro League side.

Why was the departure finalized now?

The club chose to terminate Fulgini's contractual obligations to honor the player's wishes and smooth the transfer. The decision comes as Lens sit second in Ligue 1 with 70 points, recording 22 wins, 4 draws and 8 losses from 34 games. This release lets manager Franck Haise reshuffle the midfield, especially with Nidal Čelik still sidelined.

What does the exit mean for Lens' midfield?

Fulgini was a key creator, delivering incisive passes and contributing to the attack. His exit leaves a gap, but the club is counting on the rise of youngsters like Hugo Ekitike and the return of fit players. Lens continue to score, netting 66 goals while conceding only 35, a +31 goal difference, keeping them in the title chase, six points behind leaders Paris Saint‑Germain.

How does the transfer fit the club's strategy?

The deal with Al‑Khaleej runs until 2028, showing the player's intention to settle abroad long‑term. For Lens, freeing Fulgini's salary opens space to reinforce other areas during the summer market. The club already thanked the player on Twitter, praising the emotions he gave the fans.

What are Lens' next challenges?

After a 3‑1 win over Nice on 22 May 2026, Lens continue a four‑game winning run (WWWWL, the most recent match being a loss). The next task is to keep pressure on PSG while coping with injuries, notably Čelik's absence. The coaching staff will need to tweak tactics to replace Fulgini's influence while preserving the offensive intensity that has produced 66 goals this season.

Fulgini's future at Al‑Khaleej will unfold in time, but his spell at Lens will stay vivid in supporters' memories, who wish him all the best.