M’Bala Nzola has left Fiorentina after only one year to link up with Ligue 1 side Lens on a season-long loan, the French club announced on Saturday. Without disclosing the figures, Les Sang et Or have welcomed the 27-year-old to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Lens will reportedly have a buyout option at the end of next season. Nzola joined Fiorentina last summer after his former employers, Spezia, relinquished their Serie A status in 2022/23. However, his first campaign in Tuscany failed to live up to the billing.
Frequently used as a substitute, Nzola tallied just three goals and three assists in 33 league appearances for Fiorentina. With new manager Raffaele Palladino bidding to overhaul the squad after replacing Vincenzo Italiano at the end of last season, Nzola has become a burden for La Viola.
Perhaps the return to France could help the Fiorentina flop to reignite his faltering career. Nzola is no stranger to French football. He started his career in the Troyes youth academy before heading to Portugal, where he embarked on his journey as a professional.
Nzola’s departure probably means Fiorentina will heavily rely on Lucas Beltran and Moise Kean next season. Beltran was above the Angola international in the pecking order last term, while Kean swapped Juventus for the Stadio Artemio Franchi in July.
In other news, David de Gea has joined Fiorentina on a one-year deal. The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper put pen to paper on Friday. He’ll compete with Pietro Terracciano for a place in the starting XI.
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