Lilian Brassier exit from Rennes seen as likely but still far from done | OneFootball

Under contract until 2029, left-sided centre-back Lilian Brassier had been seen as a likely departure from Rennes this summer, but a move now looks far from certain.

Rennes sporting director Loïc Désiré said: "I met his agents the day we played at Lyon, 2-4, and we understood he might want to look elsewhere, so once a player's entourage comes to you, you anticipate", speaking to TV Rennes.

Rennes have since signed Benfica's young Portuguese centre-back Gonçalo Oliveira, also left-footed, and are seeking another centre-back with experience.

Brassier returned to Rennes in January 2025 after starting the season at Marseille, then was bought for about €12 million the following summer. He made 27 Ligue 1 appearances last season, impressing after Franck Haise switched to a back four in February, although he began the final two matches on the bench.

In early May he reportedly had a route to a more prestigious club abroad, but a change of sporting direction there removed that option. With pre-season under way, the former Brest defender now appears minded to stay, play in Europe and target a strong season at Rennes, unless a major opportunity arises.

Source: L'Équipe