Ghana Abdul Samed Salis has signed a one-year contract extension with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens, securing his presence at the club until 2028.

Lens are focused on strengthening their squad in preparation for their return to the UEFA Champions League after a significant absence. The club’s management believes that Abdul Samed Salis will play a crucial role in helping them achieve their ambition.

The Black Stars midfielder joined RC Lens after a fruitful season with Clermont Foot and has been an instrumental figure for the Red and Yellows helping them to finish second and securing a Champions League spot while mounting massive pressure on Paris Saint Germain in the title chase.

“We are starting this summer transfer window with the extension of a key player in the collective, in terms of performance and state of mind, Salis Abdul Samed. More than his emergence at a very high level, more than his conclusive World Cup with Ghana, more than his regularity, he is the embodiment of the joy of this group of which he is one of the leaders in the commitment and in the character, festive,’ said General Manager of the club Arnaud Pouille.

“Extending Salis made perfect sense. It is a symbol that illustrates our approach of making the first announcement of a form of continuity. Congratulations Salis and can’t wait to see you compete in continental games!” he added.

In the just-ended season, the Black Stars midfielder appeared in 33 Ligue 1 games and scored one for Lens.

His remarkable display throughout the season earned him recognition as he was nominated for the Marc-Vivien Foé Award which he eventually missed out to Democratic Republic of Congo defender Chancel Mbemba.

He was also named in L’Equipe’s Ligue 1 team of the season and was a crucial player for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup featuring in all three games before Ghana’s exit.

Salis will be preparing with the Black Stars ahead of their crucial encounter with Madagascar in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.