Thorgan Hazard Set for Surprise Return to RC Lens as Anderlecht Exit Looms

Thorgan Hazard set to return to RC Lens from Anderlecht Belgian international Thorgan Hazard is poised to leave RSC Anderlecht at the end of the season and return to his former club RC Lens, according to multiple sources. Negotiations between Hazard and Anderlecht over a contract extension stalled, with the Belgian club reportedly unwilling to offer more than a one-year deal with an option. Hazard, who joined Anderlecht in September 2023, has been seeking a two-year commitment. Lens, currently second in Ligue 1 and on track for Champions League qualification next season, is offering the 33-year-old attacker a two-year contract. Although the move would involve a pay cut from his current Anderlecht salary, Hazard would still earn over one million euros annually before bonuses. The Belgian winger began his professional career at Lens, where he played from 2007 to 2012 before moving to Chelsea. He has made 47 appearances for Belgium, scoring nine goals. This season, Hazard has been Anderlecht’s top scorer with 15 goals and a key figure in their attack. His departure would represent a significant loss for the Brussels club both on and off the pitch, as Anderlecht leadership had questioned his leadership role during contract talks. An agreement between Hazard and Lens is said to be in place, pending only official confirmation. The transfer would mark a homecoming for the player, who developed through Lens’ youth system and made his professional debut there. Hazard’s current market value is listed at €2.5 million by Transfermarkt. Other clubs, including Zulte Waregem, had been linked with the player in recent months, but Lens appears to have secured his signature with a combination of sporting ambition and contractual stability.