FC Metz President Bernard Serin has expressed the club`s strong desire to keep captain Matthieu Udol this summer, amidst significant interest from RC Lens. However, Serin also indicated that the newly promoted Ligue 1 side would not stand in the player`s way at all costs if conditions were met.
Serin highlighted Metz`s intention to build their squad for the top flight around Udol, acknowledging his pivotal role in securing promotion last season. The 29-year-old left-back was a standout performer, particularly in the play-off victory over Reims, where he contributed two goals and an assist across the two legs.
Serin explained the club`s stance: “When you have a player like Matthieu, the aim is to construct a competitive team around him, around the captain. That’s why we want to keep him.”
Despite this clear preference, the Metz president also adopted a pragmatic approach. Serin stated that the club “won`t go to war” with their captain over a potential transfer, adding that “The decision ultimately belongs to the club.”
Udol is currently under contract until June 2027 and is reportedly tempted by the prospect of joining Lens, although no agreement has been finalized yet. Metz is reportedly willing to sanction a departure under two key conditions: the interested club must not be involved in a likely relegation battle, and a satisfactory financial offer must be submitted. If these conditions are not fulfilled, a stay at Metz remains a strong possibility.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Metz has already signed Yannis Lawson, a 20-year-old left-back, potentially as a backup option. Udol is seen as a core component of the team`s structure, alongside other key players such as Benjamin Stambouli, Jessy Deminguet, and Gauthier Hein.
