World Cup
Lens pushes hard for PSV defender Obispo amid stubborn talks
At the Stade Bollaert in Lens, club officials gathered early Tuesday, determined to secure defender Armando Obispo from PSV despite the Dutch side’s firm stance, a standoff reported by French outlet Foot Mercato. The negotiation saga underscores the club’s ambition as a Champions League participant.
Lens, already confirmed for next season’s Champions League after finishing second in Ligue 1, has been pursuing Obispo for several days, submitting multiple bids to the Eindhoven club.
PSV, however, holds firm, demanding a €5 million fee for the defender, a price the Dutch side says reflects Obispo’s value.
Technical director Earnest Stewart of Lens described PSV as a ‘stubborn negotiator’, while the club itself also labels Stewart a ‘stubborn negotiator’, highlighting the tense atmosphere.
Obispo is seen as the ideal replacement for Malang Sarr, and Lens’s scouting staff were further impressed after watching him at the World Cup with Curaçao.
Despite the growing intensity of talks, Lens has publicly stated it will not give up, keeping negotiations with PSV alive as both sides seek a resolution.