Lens centre-back Ismaëlo Ganiou has signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him in the north of France until 2030. The 21-year-old’s deal was due to expire in two seasons’ time. 

The announcement was made in the build-up to a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon whichh saw them host Premier League outfit Sunderland.

Ganiou, who was not named on the team sheet for the match, entered the pitch after the warm-ups to make the announcement, which was met with celebrations from the unsuspecting Sang et or supporters. He then posed for a picture alongside the club’s former midfielder Gaël Kakuta, who took the ceremonial kick-off for the match, as well as directors Benjamin Parrott and Jean-Louis Leca.

According to L’Équipe, the French youth international was a transfer target of both Milan and Crystal Palace, the latter club now being managed by former Lens head coach Pierre Sage.

Ganiou made 29 appearances last season under Sage as the Artois outfit finished second in the league and won the Coupe de France. Under new head coach Dino Toppmöller, the defender is expected to remain an integral part of the Lens lineup as the team returns to the Champions League after a three-year absence.