What future for Hervé Koffi at Lens?

Was joining RC Lens the right move for Hervé Koffi? That is the question on many people's minds given his situation. At Charleroi, he was undroppable. Now at RC Lens, he has to fight hard for his place. What makes the task even harder is that he does not have the manager's full confidence. Only a departure, either permanent or on loan, could solve the problem, with Koffi still the Stallions' first-choice goalkeeper.

A signing at Lens and pushed down the pecking order

Image recovered from a public archive captured on 24/06/2024. The archived file is verified; the current source is unavailable. View archived capture

Having arrived at RC Lens last summer, Hervé Koffi faced a big challenge: finally shining in Ligue 1 after a mixed spell at Lille between 2017 and 2021. Unfortunately for him, he landed at a club that already had an established keeper in Brice Samba. With Samba there, the Burkinabé got no game time. He did not play a single minute for the Sang et Or. The France international took the lion's share of the action and the former ASEC man was only a back-up.

Read also: RC Lens: Hervé Koffi joins the Sang et Or

Yet Koffi's arrival was seen as a real coup for the club, with the hierarchy delighted to have landed a talented goalkeeper.

“We are pleased to announce the signing of Hervé Koffi, whose profile had been tracked by our recruitment team for several months. With his contract nearing its end, the club naturally moved quickly to make his arrival happen. As well as showing an exemplary mindset, Hervé perfectly embodies the qualities required of a modern goalkeeper. He stands out in particular for his footwork, his reflexes and his explosiveness. In recent seasons, Hervé has gained significant experience as a starter for four full seasons in the Jupiler Pro League, as well as representing Burkina Faso at international level. His arrival therefore adds depth and strength to our goalkeeping department. Welcome to Racing, Hervé!” said Pierre Dréossi, RC Lens managing director, on the club's official website when the Stallion's transfer was announced.

Thrust into the number one spot and less convincing

This image is unavailable on the original SNA site (recorded HTTP 404).

In the winter transfer window, Brice Samba, the first-choice keeper, left RC Lens and joined Stade Rennais. Logically, Hervé Koffi moved up and became the Sang et Or's number one goalkeeper. In 4 matches in all competitions, 3 in Ligue 1 and one in the Coupe de France, conceding 5 goals, the Bobo-Dioulasso native failed to convince his manager. Will Still did not hesitate to say so publicly before the Ligue 1 matchday 19 game against SCO Angers.

“Mathew Ryan will start in goal. It's not against Hervé Koffi, it's not personal, I've spoken to him about it, but there are the numbers: we've played 4 games with him and lost 3, and I felt this was the right choice,” he told DAZN.

To win back the number one spot, Hervé Koffi has to work hard, as Will Still is fully satisfied with Ryan's performances. “Communication, presence, coaching behind a back line, it's hugely important. Mathew Ryan gives us that little extra. He's very intense and a perfectionist. He sees a lot and he's very quick to correct things. He's also demanding of himself. It's a decision I fully stand by,” he added.

It's fair to say Hervé Koffi looks set to be warming the bench for even longer.

A likely exit this winter for more game time

This image is unavailable on the original SNA site (recorded HTTP 404).

Leaving RC Lens this winter will be very difficult for Hervé Koffi. No club has been linked with him and the transfer window closes this Friday, 31 January 2025. The Stallion, under contract until 30 June 2028, dreams of playing at the 2025 AFCON with his national team while in top form. At this rate, he will arrive in Morocco with little game time behind him.

A move away from RC Lens, probably on loan at the end of the season, should allow Hervé Koffi to string games together. For now, the spot is occupied by Ryan, who meets Still's criteria.