Stade Brestos: Stade Rennais overtakes Nice for Mahdi Camara | OneFootball

The Franco-Gambian is now set to join Stade Rennais.

Mahdi Camara / Stade Brestos

Mahdi Camara had been heavily linked with OGC Nice. Everything seemed in place for the move, but Stade Rennais has swooped in at the last minute and is now on the verge of securing the Brest midfielder.

The 27-year-old Franco-Gambian midfielder, under contract with Brest until 2027, was just a step away from joining Nice. Franck Haise, the Aiglons' coach, made no secret of his admiration for the player and saw him as a key addition to his midfield. However, a dramatic twist has changed the landscape: Rennes, impressed by Camara's versatility and influence, has offered him a four-year deal.

The player was reportedly swayed by the words of Rennes coach Habib Beye, who promised him a central role in the club's sporting project. Despite Nice's early advantage, Brest's asking price of 8 million euros proved too steep for the Niçois, according to several sources. Rennes seized the opportunity, quickly reaching a salary agreement with Mahdi Camara and now negotiating with Brest over the transfer fee, which is also expected to be around €8 million. Both parties are expected to finalize a four-year contract very soon. Camara is set to arrive in Rennes shortly for his medical and to sign his contract.