Issa Soumaré will join Stade Rennais on a free transfer after his contract with Le Havre expired, the Ligue 1 club confirmed. The Senegalese forward has signed a deal with Rennes that will run until 2030.
The 25-year-old forward did not agree to contract extension proposals from Le Havre, where he has played since 2023. Soumaré enjoyed a breakout season with Le Havre, becoming their top scorer and assist provider with eight goals and five assists in 34 matches across all competitions.
Soumaré is a versatile attacker capable of playing as a centre-forward or on the left wing. His arrival bolsters Rennes’ attacking options ahead of their participation in the Europa League next season, secured by RC Lens’ victory in the Coupe de France. Rennes will be hoping Soumaré can continue his upward trajectory and replicate the success of previous Senegalese players at the club, such as Ismaïla Sarr and M’Baye Niang.
Le Havre will be disappointed to lose their key attacker on a free transfer, but Soumaré’s ambition to play European football appears to have been a significant factor in his decision. For Rennes, the signing represents a shrewd piece of business, adding a proven goalscorer to their ranks without an initial transfer fee. The move allows Soumaré to test himself at a higher level and potentially push for international recognition with Senegal.
