The French side targets the former PSG prodigy to bolster their Champions League defense, offering the versatile youngster a vital lifeline to revive his career in Ligue 1.
RC Lens have made enquiries about RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu as they consider their options for the left side of their defence, according to Le Parisien.
The 21-year-old has been monitored by Lens ahead of the final days of the transfer window, with the French club looking for opportunities to strengthen a position that will become even more important with Champions League football on the horizon.
Bitshiabu fits the profile Lens is exploring. The left-footed centre-back came through Paris Saint-Germain's academy before moving to Leipzig in 2023 for around €15 million, but his development in Germany has been slower than expected.
Last season, he made just 14 appearances across all competitions, failing to establish himself as a regular starter. With Leipzig signing Maxim Estève while currently keeping Castello Lukeba and the experienced Willi Orbán, competition for places in defence has become even stronger.
That could open the door to a departure.
Bitshiabu still has a contract with Die Roten Bullen until 2029, so the club is under no immediate pressure to sell. However, his position in the squad remains an important factor. With Willi Orbán, Castello Lukeba and Maxim Estève all competing for places in central defence, and the latter two also being left-footed like Bitshiabu, regular playing time could be difficult to secure.
For a player who made only 14 appearances in all competitions last season, another year with limited opportunities would do little to accelerate his development. That could make a move particularly appealing, especially if RBL believes he would benefit from playing every week.
A return to France could offer exactly that.
According to Le Parisien, Bitshiabu would welcome the possibility of returning to Ligue 1, and Lens could provide an attractive destination. The club is preparing for a Champions League campaign, allowing the defender to play at the highest level in Europe while returning to a league and footballing environment he already knows.
At 21, there is still plenty of time for Bitshiabu to fulfil the potential that made Leipzig invest €15 million in him two years ago. The question is whether that next step should come in Germany or back in France.
That makes the situation particularly interesting.
A loan could make a lot of sense for both sides. Rather than making a permanent decision on Bitshiabu now, Leipzig could allow him to spend a season at Lens, where he would have a better chance of playing regularly while gaining Champions League experience. That would allow the club to assess his development without giving up control of a player who is still only 21.
And personally, I think Leipzig should be careful about letting him go permanently. If Castello Lukeba leaves either this summer or next, as I expect, Bitshiabu could suddenly become a much more interesting player to keep. His physical profile and ability to operate on the left side of the defence make him a valuable and relatively rare profile at centre-back, one worth investing time in and developing for the future.
Also, a loan to Lens could therefore be the best middle ground: Bitshiabu gets the minutes he needs and Champions League experience, while Leipzig keeps a player who could become increasingly important in the seasons ahead.
