Jorge Sampaoli is not really counting on Steve Mandanda for the number 1 goalkeeper position at Stade Rennais. To replace him, Brice Samba will leave RC Lens to join the ranks of SRFC this winter.
Stade Rennais Mercato: Brice Samba arriving, Steve Mandanda towards the exit?
As at Olympique de Marseille two and a half years ago, Jorge Sampaoli made the much-discussed decision to relegate Steve Mandanda to the sidelines at Stade Rennais. Just a few weeks after his arrival to replace Julien Stéphan, the Argentine coach demanded the signing of a new goalkeeper.
And this Saturday, the newspaper L'Équipe assures that Brice Samba, indisputable starter at RC Lens and Mandanda's replacement as number 2 in the French team, is preparing to join the SRFC. Despite a contract running until June 2028, the 30-year-old goalkeeper received approval from his management to join Stade Rennais.
“The Breton club Rennes is on the verge of making the first big move of this winter transfer window by recruiting international goalkeeper from Lens, Brice Samba. An agreement in principle has just been reached between the two clubs,” explains the sports daily, which reveals that, on Friday, Samba had already shown a certain weariness regarding his future in Lens.
“When the men of the project leave one after the other, you have doubts…” said the native of Linzolo. The matter should be concluded quickly between all parties in the coming hours.
Brice Samba transferred to SRFC for €15M?
Arriving in July 2022 from Nottingham Forest for a check for 5 million euros, Brice Samba is preparing to leave Brittany with a nice added value for Stade Rennais. Indeed, according to the latest information from L'Équipe, Rennes leaders and their RC Lens counterparts are close to an agreement for the transfer of Samba for an amount of around 15 million euros.
The last French rampart should sign a four and a half year lease, until June 2029, in favor of the Rouge et Noir. In advanced negotiations with Al-Nassr for Seko Fofana, former Sang et Or midfielder, Stade Rennais would have a spectacular start to the winter transfer window if these two transfers materialize.
Still according to the same source, the future of Steve Mandanda will be decided in the coming days. Two options seem most likely for the former darling of Marseille fans: terminate his contract to freely engage in a final challenge, or end his career. The position of Steve Mandanda and Stade Rennais on this issue remains to be determined.
