Stade Rennais have confirmed the departure of experienced defender Guela Doué, the club announced on Tuesday. The move comes as Rennes continue to reshape their squad ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 season.
Doué, a long-serving player for the Brittany-based club, has been deemed surplus to requirements by manager Julien Stéphan, according to reports in France. While the club did not disclose specific details regarding his destination, they confirmed he is now a free agent.
The 37-year-old joined Rennes in 2017 from Le Havre and quickly established himself as a reliable figure in the backline. He made over 150 appearances for the club across all competitions, contributing to their consistent qualification for European football. Last season, however, Doué’s playing time was significantly reduced due to the emergence of younger centre-backs.
This move allows Rennes to free up a significant portion of their wage bill and create space within the squad for new signings. The club has already been active in the transfer window, bringing in several promising players to bolster their options. Doué’s departure is part of a wider restructuring process aimed at building a more competitive team capable of challenging for the Ligue 1 title.
Doué’s next move remains uncertain, but he is expected to attract interest from clubs in Ligue 2 and potentially from leagues outside of France. His experience and leadership qualities will be valuable assets for any team looking to strengthen their defence. The player has not yet commented publicly on his departure from Rennes.
