• Stade Rennais plan their return to European football after a two-year absence
• The French club have identified 24-year-old midfielder Antoine Hainaut as a transfer target
• The player helped Venezia secure promotion to Serie A last season
• Venezia value the versatile Frenchman at €10 million
• Hainaut can operate as a right-sided midfielder or as a wing-back

Stade Rennais are strengthening their squad ahead of next season. The Ligue 1 side will play in European competition again after missing out for two years. They want new players to help them compete on multiple fronts.

According to Foot Mercato, the French club are interested in Antoine Hainaut. The 24-year-old currently plays for Venezia in Italy’s second tier.

Hainaut enjoyed a successful campaign with the Italian outfit last season. He made 37 appearances in Serie B. He found the net five times and set up six goals for his team-mates. His efforts helped Venezia finish at the top of the table and earn a place in Serie A.

Despite this promotion, the Frenchman may leave Italy. Hainaut is a versatile player who can feature on the right side of midfield. He is also effective as a wing-back. Last summer, both SCO Angers and AJ Auxerre tried to sign him. Now, Stade Rennais have added their name to the list of interested clubs.

Venezia have placed a €10 million price tag on the player. Hainaut must now choose between staying in Italy for top-flight football or moving back to his home country.

• Rennes preparing €10 million bid for Antoine Hainaut
• Venezia right-back helped club win Serie B promotion
• Player’s value soared from €550,000 to €10m in twelve months
• Frenchman could return home after three years in Italy

Rennes are preparing a major bid to sign Venezia defender Antoine Hainaut. The French club want to pay €10 million for the right-back.

The 24-year-old has impressed in Italy. He helped Venezia win promotion to Serie A this season. His market value has grown fast.

Hainaut joined Italian football in January 2022. He moved from US Boulogne to Parma for just €300,000. Last summer, Venezia bought him for €550,000.

Now French media outlet Footmercato claims Rennes want to bring him home. The Ligue 1 club hope to profit from his excellent form in Serie B.

The reported €10 million fee would give Venezia a huge profit. However, it might be difficult to keep the player after promotion to the top flight.

Hainaut signed a long contract with Venezia until June 2028.