French side Lens completed a deal to bring Senegalese international Abdallah Sima to France from English side Brighton and Hove Albion, a few days before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Seagulls received an estimated fee of around €4.5 million excluding bonuses for the winger, bringing an end to their four-year association with the player.
Sima joined Brighton in 2021 after enjoying a breakout campaign in the Czech Republic with Slavia Prague, where he netted 16 goals in his debut campaign at the club. The 24-year-old never made an official appearance for the English club, although he featured during preseason action and spent the majority of his four-year spell away with loan spells at Stoke City, Angers, Rangers and Brest.
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The forward has signed a four-year deal keeping him at the French club until 2029 and will receive a significant increase on the £20,000 he earned weekly at Brighton, amounting to over £1.04 million annually.
The Senegal forward returns to France for a fresh beginning, having had previous spells on loan in the country, ending a disastrous four-year spell in England.
Transfer fee and full contract details
Brighton and Hove Albion received an estimated fee of around €4.5 million excluding bonuses for the 24-year-old attacker, who joins on a four-year deal.
Lens beat other suitors to acquire the services of the Senegal winger, with the likes of Olympiacos, Wolfsburg, Brentford and Brest also previously interested in his signature.
Sima is a renowned goalscorer, having impressed during his previous loan spells, while his Ligue One experience should make it easy for him to adapt easily.
How much will Abdallah Sima earn at Lens?
Per Capology, Sima earned £20,000 weekly at Brighton and is expected to receive a pay rise with his expected earnings set to be over £1.04 million annually. The Senegal international is expected to receive over £4.16 million over the course of the four years he signed at the club.
The forward becomes a valuable addition for the French club, with their total investment expected to exceed over £8 million.
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From South-coast England to Northern France
Abdallah Sima became one of the most-sought after young talents in football after impressing at Slavia Prague, before a move to England in 2021.
His return to France after previous loan spells present an opportunity to rebuild his career after a disastrous spell in England.