Echt a plus: Hazard returns to Champions League side RC Lens

In the bustling atmosphere of Stade Bollaert, Thorgan Hazard steps onto the pitch of RC Lens, the Champions League club, marking his return after spells at Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Zulte Waregem, PSV and RSC Anderlecht. The club hails his arrival as 'Echt een meerwaarde'. Hazard’s career has taken him across Europe, featuring in the English Premier League with Chelsea, the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, and the Dutch Eredivisie with PSV, before a stint in Belgium with Zulte Waregem and a return to his home country at RSC Anderlecht. On Monday, Lens officially presented the former Rode Duivel at their home ground, confirming his signing and outlining his new responsibilities.

Lens pushes hard for PSV defender Obispo amid stubborn talks

According to the club, his primary role will be to bring experience to a squad that is competing on the European stage. Jean‑Louis Leca, technical director of Lens, said: “That a former player of the club returns is a beautiful symbol, especially because he is a pure product of La Gaillette.” Lens, the Franse cup winner, Bij the club’s ambition to succeed in the Champions League, now prepares for its European campaign, hoping Hazard’s background will add depth to the roster. His return also underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing talent from its own academy, a point Leca highlighted as a core value.