Football Season Guide

Rennes missed out on Champions League football on the final day of the season last term as they finished fourth, but it does mean that they have ended four of the last five campaigns in the top six. The Breton sides are well established as one of Ligue 1’s foremost powers presently, and last season they were consistently the most exciting attacking team to watch due to their array of high-quality forward players. There has, so far, been no movement in the transfer window to suggest that Rennes will be less enthralling to watch this time around. Although they have sold Mathys Tel to Bayern for big money, the teenager had not yet made an impression on their starting XI. Martin Terrier, who was their ace last term, continues to be linked with a move away but in more positive news Benjamin Bourigeaud, who was perhaps the most underrated of their attackers last season, appears set to stay. With Jeremy Doku, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Gaetan Laborde all on their books, there is an array of talent open to Bruno Genesio. Similarly, the midfield goes virtually untouched and is also an area where there is both strength and depth. Lovro Majer is one to watch this season after a promising campaign last time around, but Baptiste Santamaria and Flavien Tait really underpin the whole side in this sector. There is more of a concern in the defence, where Warmed Omari faces a lengthy period out injured and Nayef Aguerd has been sold. Arthur Theate arrival from Bologna has come late in the transfer window and it could take him time to settle alongside Loic Bade, who was third choice in this area last season. In goal, meanwhile, Rennes have moved to upgrade with the addition of the experienced Steve Mandanda. This was an area they were lacking last term and it could mean the end for Alfred Gomis, who missed many games last term.