Loïc Désiré says Rennes want more character and two or three signings | OneFootball

Rennes finished sixth in Ligue 1 and, thanks to Lens winning the Coupe de France, will play in the Europa League next season. According to L'Équipe, president Arnaud Pouille and sporting director Loïc Désiré set out plans at Roazhon Park, with Nicolas De Tavernost arriving as chair of the board.

Pouille called it a rollercoaster campaign that still met the target. He said a fresh side lacked shared experience and too often handicapped itself early in games, and vowed to cut lapses while keeping the club aligned with supporters after last season’s 12th place.

The squad was kept intentionally lean and will now be bolstered by two or three signings, excluding departures. Midfielder Adrien Thomasson, out of contract at Lens, is expected to sign. Désiré is also targeting an experienced centre-back and a versatile forward who can play wide and through the middle.

He stressed the need for greater character, admitting the team at times suffered events rather than controlled them. He said the group already includes Brice Samba, Valentin Rongier and Breel Embolo, and that at least two further leaders are required.

Beyond Thomasson, Désiré aims to add two players before 29 June, and, unless a huge offer makes the shareholder reconsider, Rennes intend to keep key assets such as Esteban Lepaul, 26, contracted to 2029.

Outgoings are expected. Alongside Jérémy Jacquet’s move to Liverpool, likely departures include Djaoui Cissé, 22, under contract to 2030, while a permanent move is expected for Jordan James, 21, contracted to 2028, after his Leicester loan, with Villarreal and Premier League sides interested. Talks continue with Hamburg over a permanent deal for Albert Gronbaek, 25, tied to 2029, after three successive loans.

Seko Fofana, 31, contracted to 2029, enjoyed a successful loan at FC Porto, the Portuguese champions, and is now preparing for the World Cup with Ivory Coast, with a review due after the tournament. Uncertainty also surrounds Ludovic Blas, 28, who finished strongly but has one year left on his deal.

Source: L'Équipe