Arriving in Rennes in 2021, after four seasons in Angers where he revealed himself and a year in the Bundesliga in Fribourg, Baptiste Santamaria was recently removed from the Breton group by coach Jorge Sampaoli.
A boon for the Gym which jumped at the opportunity to attract to the Côte d'Azur this experienced midfielder who has more than 200 L1 matches under his belt.
“We had many injuries in midfield in the first part of the season and we needed to densify this sector. Baptiste has the experience, the volume, the quality. He is a high level player who needs to “a new challenge and, importantly, who is in optimal physical condition”explains sports director Florian Maurice, who had already initiated his coming to Brittany with a transfer worth 14 million euros.
“We know that we are not taking any risks with him and that he will quickly add value to the team”supports President Jean-Pierre Rivère.
-With 10 appearances in L1 (plus one in the Coupe de France) but only 5 minutes of playing time over the last two months, this hardworking 29-year-old defensive midfielder will have to find his rhythm again. But he comes with fangs. “I have ants in my legs. I feel ready, operational and in good shape. I can't wait to play. The speech from the Nice leaders and Franck Haise convinced me and we quickly came to an agreement. I know that the club is very ambitious. It has had a good part of the season and it has great challenges ahead of it. It's a pride to be part of the adventure. he assures.
If he cannot be added to the Nice list in the Europa League and is therefore not available for Nice's trip to Elfsborg on Thursday, Santamaria will be well qualified for the reception of OM on Sunday.
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