Stade Rennais officially began their pre-season training on Monday, eight weeks before their opening Ligue 1 fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on August 22nd. The club confirmed that four new players have joined the squad ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Midfielder Adrien Thomasson, 32, has arrived on a free transfer from Lens. The experienced player adds depth to Rennes’ midfield options. Also joining on free transfers are 25-year-old forward Issa Soumaré, formerly of Le Havre, and 29-year-old goalkeeper Nicolas Lemaître, who moves from Troyes to serve as the team’s new number two.
Completing the quartet of new signings is 19-year-old defender Gonçalo Oliveira, who joins from Benfica for a reported fee of €3.5 million. Oliveira, a left-footed central defender, represents an investment in the future for Rennes. The club will conduct its entire pre-season preparation locally, with the exception of a friendly match against Sunderland on August 15th.
Rennes are also reportedly pursuing American right-back Bryan Reynolds, 25, currently with Westerlo, for a fee of around €4 million. Reynolds is expected to compete with Przemyslaw Frankowski for the starting position. Discussions are also ongoing with Sunderland regarding a potential €25 million transfer for 21-year-old forward Eliezer Mayenda.
The club is also monitoring the situations of Seko Fofana and Ludovic Blas, both of whom have contracts expiring in 2029. Manager Franck Haise is reportedly keen to retain both players, although FC Porto may revisit their interest in Fofana following a successful loan spell last season. The future of Breel Embolo is also uncertain, as he may have options beyond Rennes. Haise’s own contract, signed in February following the departure of Habib Beye, runs until 2027 and the club may consider an extension.
