Clermont’s Ghanaian defensive midfielder Salis Abdul Samed, who has been at the club for three years, will be a player at RC Lens next season as announced by both clubs on their social networks. An important player in Clermont’s squad this season, he played 31 league games, including 29 as a starter. His arrival confirms the more than likely departure of another academy graduate, Cheick Doucouré, who Patrick Vieira is trying to recruit from Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old Ghanaian academician has signed a five-year contract with Les Sang et Or. The midfielder made his mark last season at Clermont with great performances in midfield in his first season in Ligue 1.
Salis Abdul Samed, who came through the Jean-Marc Guillou academy, was a key member of Pascal Gastien’s team, making 31 league appearances and scoring one goal. Ironically, the midfielder made his first appearance in France at Bollaert in a League Cup second round tie with Clermont against RC Lens on 27 August 2019. Lens won the match on penalties (7-6) after a 0-0 draw in normal time.
Now a member of RCL, Salis Abdul Samed could well replace Cheick Doucouré in midfield. The Malian is said to be close to Crystal Palace.