News Focus
- Stade Rennais FC centre-forward Estéban Lepaul has signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until 2030
- The 26-year-old French striker finished last season as Ligue 1’s leading goalscorer with 21 goals
- Rennes secured Europa League football after finishing sixth in the league standings
- Several major European clubs including Atlético de Madrid and Napoli had shown interest in the forward
Stade Rennais FC have secured the long-term future of their star striker Estéban Lepaul after the French centre-forward agreed to extend his contract until 2030. The 26-year-old has committed his future to the Breton club despite attracting serious interest from top European sides.
Lepaul joined Rennes just last summer from Angers in a €14 million deal. He signed an initial four-year contract at that time. However, his outstanding performances have convinced the club to secure him for an additional period.
Last season, the forward dominated the French top flight. He found the net 21 times in Ligue 1, finishing as the league’s top scorer. His tally surpassed the outputs of several high-profile attackers, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé and Olympique de Marseille’s Mason Greenwood.
His goals proved vital for Rennes as they climbed to sixth place in the final table. This position earned them a spot in next season’s Europa League. The qualification was confirmed after Lens won the Coupe de France, which ensured the European place passed down to Les Rouge et Noir.
Sources suggest that Atlético de Madrid and Napoli both made enquiries about the French international. However, Lepaul has chosen to remain loyal to Franck Haise’s project in Brittany. The new deal represents a significant show of faith between the player and the Ligue 1 outfit.