Elye Wahi ‘needed time to adapt’ as Lens’ most expensive signing hits hot streak

Elye Wahi (21) became the most expensive recruit in RC Lens’s history when he signed over the summer for €35 million from Montpellier HSC. 

The price tag alone carried an expectation for the forward, but when this was coupled with having to fill the void that Loïs Openda (24) at the heart of the attack, it was easy to see why Wahi struggled to hit the ground running at his new club. 

It took the forward until the end of September to net his first goal for Les Sang et Or and the player ahead of a vital game against Stade Brestois on the weekend has admitted that it was hard to adjust to his new surroundings. “ I needed time to adapt .” 

Lens’ new striker Elye Wahi intends to achieve better numbers than departed Loïs Openda did last season (21 goals in 38 games).

Thierry Henry: “Oook. Good luck!” pic.twitter.com/K9XhkYTeLN

“ My teammates and the coach helped me a lot, I am close to some in the locker room who advise me and tell me things .” The young forward in particular highlighted the help of Jean-Louis Leca (38) the experienced goalkeeper for Lens, “ Jean-Louis is someone who is quite important to the club, beyond being important for me. Since my arrival, he has spoken to me a lot. I thank him .” 

Wahi enters this game in a run of form that has highlighted exactly what the Lens fans were hoping for when he first signed for the club. He has scored in each of his last three appearances to make his total 6 in the league, still a far cry from the 19 he scored in his last year at Montpellier, but the signs of a promising adjustment. 

He had no doubts that he would show why he was signed. “ Doubt? I don’t think that’s the word. Since my arrival, I have put in all the ingredients to perform. I have had more complicated