Lens And Monaco Add To Attack With Saint-Maximin And Adingra Signings

Lens recruit Saint-Maximin and loan in Adingra, boosting their attack as they push in Ligue 1 and eye Champions League knockouts.

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Allan Saint-Maximin has completed a move to Lens after leaving Mexican side Club America, while Monaco have strengthened with Simon Adingra ahead of a Champions League play-off against Paris Saint-Germain later this month, adding extra intrigue to the Ligue 1 and European campaigns.

Saint-Maximin departed Club America in recent days, with reports stating the winger chose to leave after racist abuse was directed at family members. The former Newcastle United player now returns to Europe, joining a Lens team performing strongly in the French top flight this season.

Lens emerge as one of the season’s surprise stories, sitting second in Ligue 1. They are only two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain and have already produced a 10-match winning

streak in the competition, underlining why Saint-Maximin’s arrival is seen as a key reinforcement.

The move also offers Saint-Maximin a fresh stage following a short spell in Mexico with Club America, widely regarded as one of the biggest clubs in Liga MX. The 27-year-old winger previously spent four years at Newcastle United, where direct attacking play earned a strong following.

pic.twitter.com/QxSqreet7oRacing Club de Lens (@RCLens) February 2, 2026

While Lens focus on the title race, Monaco face a different challenge. Monaco sit 10th in Ligue 1 after an inconsistent domestic campaign, yet the club has advanced to the Champions League knockout stage play-offs, where Monaco meet PSG over two legs later in February.

Monaco prepare for that tie by signing Simon Adingra on loan from Sunderland, adding pace on the flanks. The agreement with Sunderland features an option to buy, giving Monaco the chance to make the move permanent if Adingra impresses in Ligue 1 and Europe.

Adingra joined Sunderland from Brighton last summer but struggled to secure a regular starting place under coach Regis Le Bris. The 24-year-old managed only one Premier League goal for Sunderland, so this switch to Monaco provides another opportunity to establish influence at a high competitive level.

With Saint-Maximin aiming to keep Lens close to PSG in the title race, and Adingra hoping to lift Monaco’s season before a crucial Champions League play-off, both transfers could shape important moments in France, while also affecting how PSG balance domestic and European ambitions.