RC Lens has confirmed that Ghanaian midfielder Salis Abdul Samed has joined AFC Sunderland on loan until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old, who had attracted interest from several French clubs, opted to move to England instead.
Abdul Samed joined Lens in June 2022 for a reported €5 million, signing a five-year contract. He made his debut in August and scored his first goal later that month.
Despite playing 39 times last season, including appearances in the Champions League and Europa League, he found himself out of favour with new manager Will Still this summer.
FC Nantes, Stade Brestois, and AS Saint-Étienne were all linked with a move for the midfielder.
However, a deal was struck with Sunderland, now managed by former FC Lorient manager Régis Le Bris, on transfer deadline day. The loan deal does not include an option to make the move permanent.
According to Transfermarkt, Abdul Samed's current market value is €8 million.
Salis Abdul Samed prêté à @SunderlandAFC 🔄
Apparu à 72 reprises avec le Racing, le milieu rejoint l'Angleterre sous la forme d’un prêt pour la campagne 2024/25 de @SkyBetChamp.
Bonne saison @salisabdulsamed ! pic.twitter.com/VqAiKVBxIi
— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) August 30, 2024