Stade Rennais have confirmed the arrival of three new players ahead of their return to training on Monday, including experienced midfielder Adrien Thomasson from Lens on a free transfer, signing a contract until 2029. The Ligue 1 club also secured the services of 25-year-old forward Issa Soumaré, also on a free transfer from Le Havre, with a deal running until 2030, and 19-year-old centre-back Gonçalo Oliveira from Benfica for a fee of €3.5 million, committing to a contract until 2031. Rennes will compete in the Europa League next season and are actively seeking to strengthen their squad further.
According to reports from Foot Mercato, Rennes have expressed interest in Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda, a 21-year-old of Franco-Spanish descent who came through the youth ranks at Sochaux. Discussions have also begun with Westerlo regarding the potential transfer of American right-back Bryan Reynolds, as reported by journalist Sacha Tavolieri. Reynolds, 24, is under contract with Westerlo until 2027, having joined the Belgian club four years ago after a spell with AS Roma in 2021.
Rennes already have Przemyslaw Frankowski as an option at right-back, with the Polish international returning to pre-season training early after a 2023-24 campaign hampered by an incomplete pre-season and injuries. Mahamadou Nagida and Alidu Seidu also featured at the position last season. Nagida, a 20-year-old contracted until 2029, may face increased competition from Quentin Merlin, while Seidu, 26, whose contract also runs until 2029, could be seeking a new opportunity elsewhere.
Thomasson brings a wealth of experience to the Rennes midfield, having established himself as a consistent performer in Ligue 1 with Lens. Soumaré arrives with a promising track record in Ligue 2 with Le Havre, and will be looking to make an immediate impact in the top flight. Oliveira represents a long-term investment for the Breton club, adding depth to their central defensive options. The potential addition of Mayenda would further bolster Rennes’ attacking options, while Reynolds could provide competition and cover at right-back.
