French League outfit Lens completed the signing of Mali international Amadou Haidara from RB Leipzig in December 2025, bringing an end to a seven-year spell at the German club.
The 27-year-old joined the Red Bull club in 2019 from Austrian club Salzburg and became a very important member of the squad, helping them to two consecutive DFB-Pokal titles in the 2021-22 season and in the 2022-23 season.
Lens will pay a fee in the region of €3 million for the Mali midfielder, who is currently on duty with the Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He has helped his country reach the quarter-finals of the competition and is expected to join his new teammates after Mali’s participation in the tournament ends.
Haidara brings several years of top-flight experience, and his versatility in midfield makes him an important asset. He can primarily operate as a defensive midfielder, while also being able to deputise in central midfield, hoping to help the club in their title challenge this season as Lens currently hold a one-point advantage over defending champions Paris Saint Germain.
Transfer fee and contract details
Despite having a market value of around €6 million, RB Leipzig accepted an initial fee of €2 million for the Mali midfielder, to avoid losing him for free when his contract expires in six months time.
The transfer fee is expected to rise to around €3 million plus bonuses, as Lens beat competition from the likes of Paris FC and Real Sociedad to the deal.
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Salary breakdown
Per Capology, Haidara earned €118,077 per week at RB Leipzig, amounting to about €6.14 million annually, but is expected to receive a significant increase when he completes the move to Lens later this month.
The 27-year-old has penned a contract until 2029 and the French club’s overall investments could exceed €20 million, making him a very valuable addition to the squad.
| Annual Salary | €6,140,000 |
| Monthly Salary | €511,667 |
| Weekly Salary | €118,077 |
| Daily Salary | €16,868 |
From Easter Germany to Northern France
Amadou Haidara joined RB Leipzig in 2019 and enjoyed seven successful years at the club, becoming one of their most important players and playing a major role in their domestic successes.
The midfielder is now set to embrace a new chapter in his career with the move to France, where he will be hoping to help the club in their title charge this season.
