This is the bad news of the day on Monday: Alidu Seidu should not play again for the season. Stade Rennais announced that its Ghanaian central defender, injured this weekend against LOSC, suffered from a “ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee”.
A hard blow for Rennes, who will certainly have to recruit this winter to compensate for his absence. Here are 5 central defenders who could join and strengthen the Breton club this winter.
Rennes: 5 interesting profiles to recruit in central defense this winter
Stanley Sword
Trained at PSG, Stanley Nsoki played very little for the capital club. He quickly joined OGC Nice to gain playing time before finally opting abroad. After a season in Bruges, he flew to Hoffenheim, where he has just started his second season.
Often hampered by injuries and hampered by competition, he played a few matches but did not necessarily establish himself within the German club. Valued at €2.5 million, it could be a nice bet to try for Rennes in January.
Benoît Badiashile
There is also the Benoît Badiashile option, who is in OM's sights this winter. The former AS Monaco, who flew to Chelsea in January 2023, is struggling to find his place with the Blues. He is barred by strong competition and only plays the least important matches under the orders of Enzo Maresca.
Rumors have already reported that Chelsea want to part ways this winter. However, a departure in the form of a transfer seems unlikely given the loss of value of Benoît Badiashile and his contract running until 2030. A six-month loan could therefore make Rennes happy, who would recover a defender who knows the League 1 with a very good level.
Fabricio Bruno
There is also the Fabricio Bruno track. Tracked by Stade Rennais and even on the verge of joining the Breton club this summer, the Brazilian defender could be targeted again in January. In any case, he is still at Flamengo, where he has a series of tenures.
With Alidu Seidu's injury, it would not be surprising to see the Rennes board reactivate this track. The price could perhaps slow down Breton leaders since an amount of around 14 million euros was mentioned last summer.
Daniel Amartey
If Stade Rennais does not want to spend a large amount to replace Alidu Seidu, there are also a few central defenders who are free today. This is particularly the case of his compatriot Daniel Amartey.
The 29-year-old Ghanaian's contract with Besiktas was terminated in mid-September by mutual agreement. The former Leicester player is therefore completely free and could provide good services to Rennes in the second half of the season.
Jason Denayer
Finally, Rennes could try to repatriate a former Olympique Lyonnais player, in the person of Jason Denayer. The Belgian defender, who had been rather comfortable in the Rhône, now plays in the Saudi championship, at Al Fateh.
He is of course an indisputable holder. However, if the financial aspect had to be taken into account in his career choice, Jason Denayer plays for the red lantern of the Saudi Pro League. A return to Europe, at 29, at the heart of the Rennes project could perhaps tempt him. In any case, it is valued at €3 million by Transfermarkt.
Note that Stade Rennais could also recover Warmed Omari, who is on loan this season to Olympique Lyonnais. The central defender does not fit into Pierre Sage's plans. A shortened loan in January could suit everyone.
Passionate about sport and from Toulouse, I am of course a supporter of the great TFC, which has more titles than OM and OL combined over the last ten years.
