Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly on the verge of purchasing French football club RC Lens for a staggering £700 million. The deal, which has sent shockwaves through both the footballing and business worlds, marks a new chapter for the Russian billionaire following his departure from English football in 2022.
Abramovich, who owned Chelsea for nearly two decades, transformed the club into a global powerhouse, securing numerous domestic and international titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. His exit from the London club came in the wake of political pressure following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it seems his passion for football remains undiminished.
RC Lens, based in the northern region of France, is a historic club with a rich fanbase and a proud legacy in French football. They are known for their passionate supporters and their consistent presence in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. The club has seen a resurgence in recent years under the guidance of manager Franck Haise, finishing in the upper half of the league standings and competing for European spots.
The purchase of RC Lens is expected to bring significant financial investment, with Abramovich likely to inject capital to help the club compete at the highest levels of French and European football. His experience in managing top-tier clubs and building world-class facilities will be invaluable to Lens, who have a strong but under-exploited potential.
For Abramovich, this move represents a fresh start in the footballing world, and with the growing popularity of Ligue 1, this acquisition could position RC Lens as a key player in European competitions in the coming years. Football fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the deal unfolds.