Since his arrival in Lens in July 2025, Matthieu Udol has become one of the pillars of the team. His presence on the left side of midfield quickly consolidated the club's structure, and his performances attracted the interest of several European clubs. However, despite the rumors and tempting offers, RC Lens managed to keep their player, thus avoiding a possible termination of his contract.
The Artesian club went through a summer of requests, particularly for its executives. However, management refused to let Udol leave, as confirmed by the player himself. According to him, “the club was not at all open to the possibility of a departure”. However, he admitted that an exceptional offer, especially from a team playing regularly in the Champions League, could have made him reconsider. “If a big team that plays the C1 every year had come with an exceptional proposal, perhaps that would have made me think,” he told L’Équipe.
The major argument for staying at Lens, according to Udol, is the prospect of participating in the Champions League this season. For him, it is a unique opportunity to prove his level on a European scale. “We tell ourselves that this is the accomplishment of years of work and we are proud of it. Then, it makes you want to push the cursor as high as possible, still with Lens,” he added. The player underlined his well-being in the Lens environment and his attachment to the club’s project. He made it clear that he did not want to miss the first match of the continental competition, even if there are more to come.
By retaining Udol, RC Lens has strengthened its collective balance. The retention of a key player in a transfer window where several executives have been called upon is seen as a positive signal for supporters and management. The player, aged 30, expressed his desire to continue his development in Lens, in particular thanks to the European challenges to come.
At the dawn of the season, the Artesian club is preparing to face the Champions League while consolidating its squad. The retention of Matthieu Udol, despite attempts by foreign clubs, testifies to the solidity of the Lens project and the player's confidence in the club's ambitions. The next steps will be determined by performances in the Champions League and the club's progression in the French championship.