Fourteen years on: Why Thorgan Hazard Lens return matters

Thirty‑three‑year‑old Belgian winger Thorgan Hazard is on the verge of rejoining his boyhood club RC Lens on a free‑transfer, fourteen years after leaving the French side for Chelsea FC, following the expiry of his RSC Anderlecht contract at the close of the 2025/26 season. Foot Mercato journalist Sébastien Denis wrote that all paperwork is finalised ahead of Hazard’s re‑entry to the club and added that Hazard will travel to the North of France in the coming days.

Lens is set to make Hazard its second signing of the window. The club already secured Michaël Cuisance from Hertha BSC as a nominal replacement for departing captain Adrien Thomasson.

Hazard became a free agent after his contract with RSC Anderlecht expired at the close of the 2025/26 season. His departure leaves the Belgian side without his services for the upcoming campaign.

Foot Mercato journalist Sébastien Denis reported that all paperwork is finalised ahead of Hazard’s re‑entry to the club. He added that Hazard will travel to the North of France in the coming days.

GFFN contributor Nick Hartland confirmed the move and noted that Lens, based in the north of France, will welcome the former Anderlecht star. The 33‑year‑old Belgian winger featured in 46 matches in his final Anderlecht season, contributing 15 goals and 11 assists.

Returning to his boyhood club offers Hazard a chance to revive his career in familiar surroundings. For Lens, the free‑transfer adds experience to a squad that has just lost its captain.