Despite the arrival of Jorge Sampaoli, Stade Rennais will have to be very active in the January transfer window to save its season. The Bretons are not hanging around on this aspect, being close to recruiting Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech.
Stuck in the second part of the Ligue 1 standings, will Rennes manage to secure a European place this season? The mission seems perilous for new coach Jorge Sampaoli. The fiery Argentine has ambitious tactical ideas to revive the Rennais but not necessarily the adequate squad to implement them. A strong rise in the rankings will not happen without some major recruits in the winter transfer window. Sampaoli understood this well and he put pressure on his management to seek out a forgotten star of European football.
A little greedy Ziyech will go to Rennes
This target is called Hakim Ziyech according to the Moroccan media The 360 Sports. Having played for Ajax and Chelsea, the 31-year-old winger plays for Galatasaray but is no longer part of his coach's plans. Tempted by a short-term departure, he represents an interesting opportunity for Stade Rennais, especially since his contract with the Istanbul team ends next June. Enough to recover Ziyech for a lower transfer fee than initially expected.
However, this does not make the Moroccan a cheap lead. In fact, he receives almost 3 million euros in annual salary at Galatasaray. In contact with the player's entourage for several days, the Rennes management is actively negotiating for a salary reduction in Brittany. A blocking point before a possible resounding transfer for Stade Rennais. Seduced by the Breton track, Ziyech has no sporting interest in being financially greedy. He needs playing time to be a starter in the Moroccan selection during the CAN 2025 scheduled at home.
