Lens banks on Hazard’s experience for Champions League push

Thorgan Hazard has officially re‑joined RC Lens as the French club gears up for its UEFA Champions League campaign. The 33‑year‑old Belgian brings experience to a Lens side aiming to cope with the higher intensity of Europe’s elite competition this season.

Hazard is a product of the Lens academy, having made 16 first‑team appearances after progressing through the club’s youth ranks. His early spell laid the foundation for a career that later spanned several European leagues.

He left Lens in the summer of 2012 to join Chelsea, following his brother’s transfer from Lille OSC. Subsequent stops included Zulte Waregem, Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven and RSC Anderlecht.

Hazard featured in 46 games for RSC Anderlecht last season, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists for the Belgium side. His contract expired at the end of that campaign, and he chose not to renew.

The Belgian has signed a two‑year contract with RC Lens, running until the summer of 2028, marking his second spell with the Ligue 1 club. Hazard becomes Les Sang et Or’s second summer acquisition, arriving after Michael Cuisance.

Lens will need to integrate Hazard quickly to maximise his impact in both domestic and European matches, with any lingering fitness concerns potentially affecting his contribution as the season unfolds. Luke Entwistle reported that the club expects Hazard to be fit for the season opener.