Rennes pivot to outgoings after early deals, aim to keep key assets | OneFootball

Rennes have switched focus to trimming the squad after a rapid burst of signings, with exits being arranged and explored while aiming to retain their most bankable assets.

According to L'Équipe, decision-makers Arnaud Pouille, Loïc Désiré and Franck Haise sealed June and early July arrivals in Issa Soumaré, Eliezer Mayenda, back-up goalkeeper Nicolas Lemaître, Adrien Thomasson and young centre-back Gonçalo Oliveira, with Charlie Cresswell added in early August. Spend stands at €35m, excluding an automatic €22.5m option in 2027.

Rennes have sustained a positive balance over five years, relying on sales to offset falling TV money and meet UEFA’s 70% squad-cost cap.

The plan targets just over €100m in sales this summer. Jérémy Jacquet has joined Liverpool for €70m and Albert Gronbaek left for Hamburg at €6m, having cost €15m two years ago. Breel Embolo should return about €15m once he chooses between Atlanta and Ipswich.

Barring a late Premier League twist, Jordan James, 22, is set to join Wolverhampton on loan with an automatic buy option of at least €10m. Djaoui Cissé, 22, interests Strasbourg and could also find an English opening.

Uncertainty remains over Alidu Seidu, Ludovic Blas, Seko Fofana and Lilian Brassier. Rennes do not intend to lose Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, 20, despite a Fulham bid. Estéban Lepaul, 26, extended to 2030, is on shortlists at Atlético de Madrid, Como, Napoli and two unnamed English clubs, and would require a huge offer to leave.

Source: L'Équipe

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