Franck Haise and his staff at Stade Rennais have made a decisive move in their defensive restructuring this summer transfer window. By securing the services of right-back Bryan Reynolds, the club has not only filled a long-standing void in their squad but also closed the door on a potential deal that had excited supporters for weeks.
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Reynolds in, Kaboré out: Rennes’ summer reshuffle
The Red and Blacks’ defensive puzzle is now taking clearer shape. The arrival of American right-back Bryan Reynolds at Stade Rennais marks the culmination of a transfer saga that had sparked considerable enthusiasm among Breton fans. The club’s hierarchy sought to strengthen their defensive corridors with a dynamic and impactful profile, and they have now achieved that goal with Reynolds’ permanent signing. However, this high-profile acquisition has had an immediate knock-on effect: the pursuit of Burkinabè international Issa Kaboré has been shelved indefinitely.
The Rennes recruitment team had been closely monitoring Kaboré, a 25-year-old defender on Manchester City’s books. After an impressive season on loan at Wrexham, where he established himself as a first-choice player with 32 appearances and eight assists, the Burkina Faso international had caught the eye of scouts with his counter-attacking prowess.
Why Reynolds edged out a Ligue 1-experienced option
Franck Haise had considered Kaboré as a viable safety net. The defender, who spent the 2022-2023 season with Olympique de Marseille, was familiar with the intensity and tactical demands of Ligue 1. Despite an underwhelming stint in the South of France, his standout performances in England had convinced Rennes’ scouting network of his potential.
Now back at Manchester City, Kaboré is not part of the club’s long-term plans. With a contract running until June 2027 and a valuation of around €4 million, the Burkina Faso international represented an attractive financial proposition for Rennes. Yet, the club ultimately opted for Reynolds, forcing their technical staff to reassess their backup plans.
Kaboré’s next chapter could unfold in Troyes
Now out of the picture at Rennes, Issa Kaboré is unlikely to struggle to find a new club. Manchester City are reportedly open to either a permanent transfer or another loan deal to facilitate his departure.
An unexpected opportunity may soon arise for the former Marseille player in France. Troyes is said to have shown strong interest in signing the versatile defender. The move could reignite Kaboré’s career, offering him a chance to secure regular playing time in a competitive project for the 2026-2027 season.
