Brighton & Hove Albion have reached an agreement to sell winger Abdallah Sima to RC Lens, ending his four-year stay without a single senior appearance.
According to Foot Mercato, Lens will pay €4.5m plus bonuses to secure the Senegal international, who has agreed a four-year contract at Stade Bollaert. The French side moved quickly after selling Morgan Guilavogui, identifying Sima as an ideal replacement.
Signed by Brighton in 2021 from Slavia Prague for €8m, Sima spent his entire time with the Seagulls out on loan. Spells at Stoke City, Angers, Rangers and most recently Brest offered mixed results, though his impressive return last season in Ligue 1 has now earned him a permanent move.
Loan Star at Brest
“Abdallah Sima scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 40 games for Brest last season, convincing Lens to make their move.” — Foot Mercato
His pace, directness and finishing caught the eye in France, with Lens convinced he can bolster their forward line for domestic and European competitions.
Why the Deal Suits All Parties
For Brighton, Sima’s sale recoups part of their original €8m outlay while freeing up squad space. For Lens, the move is low-risk: a proven Ligue 1 performer, still only 24, with European experience from his spells in Prague and Glasgow.
Abdallah Sima – 2024/25 Season (Brest)
| Stat (2024/25) | Abdallah Sima |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 40 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Contract at Brighton | 2021–2025 (no appearances) |
source: sofascore match data – 27 August 2025
The winger’s record shows steady development, with Ligue 1 proving the perfect platform to relaunch his career.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes the transfer is pragmatic:
“Sima never broke through at Brighton, but he wasn’t given the chance. A €4.5m move to Lens makes sense — he’s already shown he can score goals in Ligue 1, and Lens are getting a versatile wide forward in his prime. Brighton meanwhile tidy up their books, selling a player with no pathway into their squad.”
He added: “It’s a reminder of Brighton’s model — sometimes loans work, sometimes they don’t. But their recruitment cycle keeps moving.”
Key Insights
- Brighton agree €4.5m + bonuses deal with RC Lens.
- Sima signs a four-year contract with the French club.
- Scored 12 goals + 2 assists in 40 games for Brest last season.
- Never made a senior appearance in four years at Brighton.
- Previous loans: Stoke, Angers, Rangers, Brest.
What’s Next for Sima and Lens?
Sima will join up with Lens immediately, likely slotting into the squad ahead of their Ligue 1 fixture this weekend. His task is to replace Guilavogui’s output and provide additional firepower in Europe.
For Brighton, the sale clears one of their longer-term loan players, with the Seagulls expected to reinvest in younger talents for their development pipeline.
Did Brighton mishandle Sima’s career — or was a permanent move abroad always his best path?
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