Ghanaian-born defender Samson Baidoo has lifted the lid on the crucial role Kevin Danso played in convincing him to sign for RC Lens, describing the Tottenham Hotspur centre-back as both a mentor and a “big brother.”
Baidoo, who was born in Graz, Austria, made the switch to Lens earlier this year following Danso’s departure to Spurs — a move that left a void in the French club’s defensive setup. Danso had been a cornerstone for Lens during his four-year stay, guiding them back to the UEFA Champions League after two decades and cementing his reputation as one of Ligue 1’s top defenders.
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Before committing to Lens, Baidoo reached out to Danso for insight about the club, a conversation that ultimately sealed his decision.
“I spoke to him before coming. And Danso only told me good things about Lens, especially that if I want to focus only on football, this is where I need to be. He has changed here as a person, as a player. He gave me a lot of confidence,” Baidoo revealed in an interview with L’Équipe.
Baidoo has wasted no time making an impression at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. The former Red Bull Salzburg defender netted his first goal for Lens in their 2-1 victory over Paris FC last week and is in line to start against Marseille this weekend.
Drawing parallels between himself and Danso, Baidoo admitted their styles and mentalities are strikingly similar.
“Yes, we play in the middle of a three-man defense, he’s a monster, a machine on high balls. He’s fast, we have things in common, I’m like his little brother,” he said.
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Though Baidoo represents Austria at youth level, he remains eligible to feature for Ghana’s Black Stars, leaving the door open for a potential international switch in the future.
