Flavien Tait leaves Rennes for Rodez as Ligue 2 side builds on impressive form
Midfielder Flavien Tait has completed a transfer from Ligue 1 side Rennes to Ligue 2 club Rodez, according to reports emerging from France. The move sees the 31-year-old bring his top-flight experience to a Ruthénois side currently enjoying a remarkable unbeaten run in the league.
The transfer marks a significant shift for Tait, who spent five seasons at Roazhon Park after joining from Angers in 2019. During his time with Rennes, he made over 150 appearances and was part of the team that secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League in 2020. He described his stint at the club as "the pinnacle of football," highlighting the emotional weight of departing a club he considered a long-term home.
For Rodez, the acquisition of a player of Tait's calibre signals serious ambition. The club is currently the only unbeaten team across Europe's top five leagues and their affiliated second divisions in 2026, having gone 14 league matches without a defeat. This run of six wins and five draws since the start of the calendar year has propelled them to sixth place in Ligue 2, just two points off the promotion playoff position. Their defensive solidity, conceding fewer than one goal per game during this period, has been the foundation of their success.
The signing is a clear statement of intent from Rodez as they aim to capitalize on their excellent form and mount a sustained challenge for a top-three finish. Tait's experience in managing high-pressure situations in Ligue 1 and European competition is viewed as a valuable asset for a squad with limited exposure to the upper echelons of French football. His technical ability and composure in midfield are expected to add a new dimension to their play.
From Rennes' perspective, the move allows them to part ways with a veteran player whose playing time had diminished, freeing up squad space and resources. For Tait, the transfer offers the promise of regular first-team football and a central role in a project on a steep upward trajectory. The move underscores the growing appeal of clubs like Rodez, who are leveraging impressive on-pitch results to attract established talent. This transfer could prove pivotal in the final push for the promotion places as the Ligue 2 season reaches its climax.
