Stade Rennais manager Franck Haise is looking to reduce his squad size to between 23 and 24 outfield players after a busy period of incoming transfers, according to reports from L’Équipe. The club has already added six new players to their ranks this summer: Adrien Thomasson, Gonçalo Oliveira, Issa Soumaré, Nicolas Lemaître, Eliezer Mayenda, and Bryan Reynolds.
The additions are intended to bolster the Rennes squad ahead of their Ligue 1 campaign and participation in the Europa League. Mayenda, a young attacker previously with Sochaux and Sunderland, and Reynolds, an offensive right-back from Westerlo, both featured in training on Wednesday despite a brief interruption due to inclement weather. Haise indicated that these new signings, along with the others, will be involved in the upcoming friendly match against Guingamp on Friday.
Despite the influx of talent, Haise is keen to streamline the squad, acknowledging the current number of 35 outfield players is unsustainable. Several players are currently considered surplus to requirements, including Glen Kamara, Mikayil Faye, and Ayanda Sishuba, who are expected to return to training at a later date. Jordan James, who was not used in the recent friendly against Caen due to his potential departure, is also unlikely to feature against Guingamp.
The club is also monitoring the situation regarding potential departures, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Seko Fofana, Ludovic Blas, Lilian Brassier, and Breel Embolo. Rennes are also evaluating the development pathways for several young players, including Rosier, Mukiele, and Do Marcolino. Haise also expressed a desire to add a central defender, though a move for Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse appears to be stalled. Rennes begin their Ligue 1 season with a challenging away fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on August 23rd.
