The move marks a return to French football for the attacker, who originally developed through the youth ranks at FC Sochaux before joining the Black Cats three years ago. During his time in England, Mayenda accumulated 72 appearances and scored 12 goals across all competitions, largely operating as a rotation option during Sunderland’s Championship campaign.

His final season with the club proved frustrating, however. Following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, the young Spaniard struggled for game time throughout the campaign. He managed just two goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, a significant drop in output that prompted his departure.

Rennes have moved decisively to secure his signature as they prepare for a demanding season. The Brittany side will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season and have already been active in the transfer market. Mayenda represents their fourth signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Adrien Thomasson, Goncalo Oliveira and Issa Soumaré at Roazhon Park.

The 21-year-old faces an immediate challenge to break into the starting eleven. At Roazhon Park, he will have to work hard to secure a regular berth, competing directly with Esteban Lepaul, who finished last season as the top scorer in Ligue 1. With European football guaranteeing a packed schedule, opportunities should arise for the new arrival, though he must demonstrate his quality quickly to avoid a repeat of his Premier League frustrations.

The €20m investment underlines Rennes’ ambition and their belief in Mayenda’s potential to make an impact in French football. Having started his professional journey in the country’s east with Sochaux, the forward now has the opportunity to reignite his career in Brittany and establish himself as a key figure in their domestic and European pursuits.

According to Foot Mercato, Rennes are close to finalising an agreement worth approximately €25 million plus up to €3 million in bonuses for the 23-year-old centre-back. The same report suggests personal terms are settled, with Cresswell set to become one of the club’s three highest earners as he prepares for his European debut in the Europa League.

However, L’Équipe presents a different picture, stating that Rennes have submitted a bid below Toulouse’s €25 million asking price and are unlikely to match that valuation. This development has reportedly handed Crystal Palace encouragement in their pursuit of the former Leeds United defender, who has previously attracted interest from West Ham United and VfL Wolfsburg.

Impressive Ligue 1 Campaign

Cresswell has established himself as a defensive cornerstone since joining Toulouse from Leeds United in 2024. The Preston-born centre-back started 31 of 32 Ligue 1 matches during the 2025-26 season, registering four goals and three assists. These contributions marked him as one of the most prolific ball-playing defenders in the division.

The England Under-21 European champion developed through the Leeds academy before securing his permanent switch to France. His rapid adaptation to Ligue 1 football has alerted several top-tier clubs to his availability ahead of the summer transfer window.

Competition for Signature

Rennes view Cresswell as essential reinforcement for their upcoming European campaign, having secured qualification for the Europa League. Their substantial financial offer would place the Englishman among the highest-paid players at the club, reflecting their determination to win the race.

Crystal Palace, however, remain active in the pursuit. The Premier League side are understood to be considering Cresswell as a potential replacement for Maxence Lacroix. With Rennes reportedly struggling to meet Toulouse’s valuation, Palace may yet capitalise on the impasse to secure the defender’s return to English football.

The situation remains fluid as Toulouse maintain their €25 million stance, leaving Cresswell’s immediate future dependent on whether Rennes increase their offer or rival clubs formalise their interest.

• Breel Embolo receives US travel permit after ESTA authorisation review
• Stade Rennais striker missed Tuesday’s squad departure due to visa check
• Delay connected to 2023 conviction for threats made during 2018 Basel incident
• 29-year-old set to join Swiss camp in San Diego on Friday evening
• Switzerland face Qatar, Bosnia and Canada in Group B at 2026 World Cup

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo can now travel to the United States to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The striker has won his appeal to enter the country after immigration officials approved his visa request.

The 29-year-old did not fly with his team-mates on Tuesday. His ESTA permit – the electronic system that allows visitors to enter the US without a normal visa – was under review.

The Swiss Football Federation confirmed the good news on Thursday. “We have just learned that Breel Embolo’s visa has been approved,” they said. “He will travel to the United States and should meet the squad on Friday night.”

The visa problem related to a court case from 2018. Embolo was involved in an argument in Basel. In 2023, a court found him guilty of making threats. He received a suspended fine. He lost an appeal against this decision in April.

Embolo visited the US Embassy in Bern on Wednesday. Staff there processed his application before giving final approval.

The Monaco-born player has scored 23 goals in 85 games for Switzerland. He played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He currently plays for Stade Rennais in France.

The Swiss team will train in San Diego. Their first World Cup match is against Qatar on 13 June in Santa Clara. They then play Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 June in Inglewood. Their final group game is against Canada on 24 June in Vancouver.

• 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.

• France U21 centre-back completes €65 million switch from Stade Rennais to Liverpool
• Player confirms lengthy negotiations with the Reds started long before the winter window
• Manchester United and Chelsea both attempted to sign the defender
• Jacquet undergoes shoulder rehabilitation but targets full fitness for pre-season

Young French defender Jérémy Jacquet has explained why he chose Liverpool ahead of rival English clubs. The centre-back joined the Anfield side for €65 million from Stade Rennais during the winter transfer window.

Speaking to Ouest-France, Jacquet stated that talks with Liverpool began many months before the deal was finalised. He wanted to clear up rumours that the transfer happened quickly. The player said he had been in contact with the Merseyside club for a long period, so the move was not arranged in just one week.

The France youth international confirmed that Manchester United also wanted to sign him. However, he decided against joining Chelsea because their squad already has strong competition in defence.

Jacquet picked Liverpool because of the club’s famous history and their sporting plans. He spoke with the club’s management about the project. This decision came even though some supporters worry about Arne Slot’s future after a difficult Premier League campaign.

The player suffered a serious shoulder injury in February while playing for Rennes. Doctors operated on him during the spring. Despite this problem, Jacquet is confident he will recover in time for the new season. He says he still has over one month to heal and will be ready when training starts.

• Jérémy Jacquet joins Liverpool from Stade Rennais this summer for €72 million.
• The French defender hinted that Ibrahima Konaté will extend his contract at Anfield.
• Konaté’s current deal expires in June, creating doubt about his future.
• Virgil van Dijk will turn 35 in July but remains contracted until 2027.

Incoming Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet has suggested that Ibrahima Konaté will stay at the club. The 20-year-old believes his French team-mate will help him adapt to English football.

Jacquet will move from Stade Rennais to Anfield this summer. Liverpool agreed to pay €72 million for the centre-back during the January transfer window.

The young Frenchman spoke to Ouest-France about his new challenge. He said training with Virgil van Dijk would be a fantastic opportunity. The Liverpool captain will be 35 in July, but his contract runs until 2027.

Konaté’s future is less certain. His current agreement ends in June. He might have played his last match for Liverpool in the 1-1 draw with Brentford last weekend.

However, Jacquet’s comments hint at a new deal for Konaté. He stated that Konaté can help him settle in at the club. He added that training with such experienced players is the perfect way to start at a new team.

• French defender Jérémy Jacquet joins Liverpool from Stade Rennais for €72 million
• The 20-year-old centre-back says he wants to play regularly at Anfield
• He joins Arne Slot’s squad as Virgil van Dijk nears his 35th birthday
• Jacquet believes he must prove himself on the pitch without special guarantees

Jérémy Jacquet is ready to fight for his place at Liverpool. The 20-year-old French defender will soon complete his €72 million move from Stade Rennais to Anfield.

Jacquet spoke to Ouest-France about his big transfer. He said the time is right to leave France. “I told my agent: if the biggest clubs in Europe want me, we cannot say no,” he explained.

The centre-back knows competition is tough at Liverpool. Virgil van Dijk turns 35 in July. Ibrahima Konaté may also leave the club. Jacquet believes he can bring fresh energy to the defence.

He does not want special treatment. “A player should not need guarantees about playing time,” he said. “He must show his quality on the pitch.”

Jacquet is confident about his future in England. “I know what I can do. I want to play my game and enjoy every moment,” he added. “I will create my own story. I am sure everything will work out well.”

Liverpool will play in the Champions League next season. This means there will be many important matches for Jacquet to prove himself.

• Adrien Thomasson will join Stade Rennais from RC Lens on a free transfer
• The 32-year-old captained Lens to a 3-1 Coupe de France final victory over OGC Nice
• He rejected a new contract at Lens despite the club qualifying for the Champions League
• Rennes beat Paris FC to sign the midfielder, with an official announcement expected this week

Adrien Thomasson is set to complete his move to Stade Rennais. The deal will be official soon. The 32-year-old French midfielder is leaving RC Lens.

Thomasson captained Lens in his final match for the club. The team lifted the Coupe de France trophy. They beat OGC Nice 3-1 in the final. He wore the captain’s armband during that fixture.

The player has decided not to renew his contract. Lens qualified for next season’s Champions League. However, Thomasson wants a fresh challenge. He will play for Rennes in the Europa League instead.

Paris FC also wanted to sign the midfielder. But Rennes won the race. Reports from Onze Mondial say an agreement has been ready for several weeks. The domestic season in France has now ended. This allows the transfer to go ahead. The official announcement could come as early as Tuesday.

• 26-year-old Esteban Lepaul scored 21 goals for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1 this season.
• Portuguese club Benfica and Italian side Como want to sign the striker.
• Atlético Madrid from Spain have also asked about the player.
• Rennes want €30 million for their top scorer.
• The Frenchman says he prefers to stay at Rennes to play in European competitions.

Esteban Lepaul has become one of the most wanted strikers in French football. The 26-year-old forward moved to Stade Rennais from Angers last summer. He enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Roazhon Park, netting 21 times in Ligue 1. This impressive return made him the club’s leading marksman and secured his spot in the Get French Football News Team of the Year.

Several major European sides are now monitoring his situation. According to Foot Mercato, Atlético Madrid have already made an enquiry about the player. The Spanish giants are searching for a reliable goalscorer. L’Équipe now reports that Benfica and Como have also entered the race to capture his signature.

The French club value their star attacker at roughly €30 million. This asking price could be met as demand for the former Angers player continues to rise. However, Lepaul has expressed a desire to remain with his current employers. He told reporters earlier this month that he sees his future at Rennes.

The striker explained that competing in European tournaments is his priority. Rennes are certain to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League next term. They could secure a place in the Europa League if RC Lens defeat OGC Nice in the Coupe de France final. This prospect aligns perfectly with the player’s ambitions for the upcoming season.