# Lens: No Signings in Transfer Window, Trusts Champs for Top Three.
The summer transfer window has come and gone, and as usual, it’s been a period of intense activity for clubs across Europe. However, this year, there has been a notable lack of big signings, particularly at the top tiers of football. While some clubs have been busy restructuring their squads, others have relied on their existing talent to compete. Among these, Lens has been a standout example of a club that has not only avoided major signings but also retained its competitive edge.
Lens, a club traditionally known for its attacking flair, has chosen to trust in its current squad to challenge for the top three spots in Ligue 1. With no major arrivals, the focus has been on maintaining consistency and relying on the development of young players. This approach reflects a broader trend in European football, where clubs are increasingly prioritizing youth development over the short-term fix of big-money signings.
The absence of high-profile arrivals at Lens has been met with curiosity, as many expected the club to make a bold statement in the transfer market. However, the club’s management has instead opted for a strategy of gradual improvement, counting on the progress of its existing squad. This includes players like Jonathan Claude, Gaëtan Laborde, and Kevin Volland, who have been instrumental in the club’s recent success.
Meanwhile, other clubs in France and Europe have also embraced this approach. Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, both considered among the top three teams in France, have not made major signings either. Instead, they are relying on their core groups of players to maintain their dominance. This shift in strategy is part of a larger movement in football, where clubs are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and long-term growth over immediate results.
The transfer window has also highlighted the importance of youth development. At Lens, young players like Wilfried Dodi and Akim Abdallah have been given opportunities to shine, and their performances have been crucial to the team’s progress. This reflects a broader trend where clubs are investing more in their academies and youth teams, hoping to build sustainable success rather than relying on expensive signings.
As the season kicks off, the lack of major signings will be a talking point, but it’s clear that Lens and other clubs are betting on their current squads to deliver results. While the top three in France are expected to compete fiercely for the title, the absence of big names doesn’t mean the competition will be any less intense.
In the end, the transfer window may have been quiet, but the focus on youth and existing talent is a positive sign for the game. It’s a reminder that football success is not always about the biggest names or the most expensive signings, but about building a cohesive squad and nurturing young talent. Lens and other clubs are proving that sometimes, trust in your current squad can be just as effective as any transfer window splurge.