Official | Southampton sign Rennes’ Albert Grønbæk | OneFootball

Southampton FC have signed Rennes midfielder Albert Grønbæk (23) on loan, both clubs have confirmed. Grønbæk only arrived in Brittany last summer over a €12m move from Norwegian first-tier outfit Bødo/Glimt. However, he has struggled to find his footing in the French league having only registered two goals and an assist in 18 appearances for the club. The Denmark international handed in a transfer request to leave Jorge Sampaoli’s Les Rouge et Noir.

The Argentine manager added that Grønbæk “hasn’t really found his place here” and that he was “unhappy” in Rennes. Following Rennes’ embarrassing Coupe de France exit at the hands of Troyes, Grønbæk has been axed from Sampaoli’s first-team training squad alongside Baptiste Santamaria, Glen Kamara and Gauthier Gallon. “I’m just so excited. It’s a big club and I think the playing style suits me very well, so I’m just very pleased to be here“, Grønbæk said. “The facilities are very good and the stadium looks incredible. It’s even bigger and better when you come in person, so I’m just so excited to play there. I’m proud to be here.”

Grønbæk’s loan includes a €15,5m option to make his switch to Saint-Mary’s permanent, according to Foot Mercato. Grønbæk could make his Southampton debut this Saturday as Ivan Juric’s Saints host Newcastle United FC.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval