Transfers : Is Rennes ready to attack?

Denni Avdić (IF Elfsborg, Sweden)

- Forward
- 22 y/o, 1m93, 80kg
- Contracted until June 2011

Recently a Swedish international, Denni Avdić has been attracting the attention of scouts after piling goal after goal for Elfsborg, a team he joined four years ago. A very promising player in his adoptive country, recruiters are now rushing to try and sign last year’s Allsvenskan best goal scorer (19 goals). Rennes is believed to have been following the lanky player, whose style is reminiscent of Zlatan Ibrahimović’s, since many months, but some second level English clubs have apparently been in touch with his entourage since. A competition which could end the rumour, unless Avdić ended up choosing a challenge in Rennes, as some of his illustrious fellow countrymen did before him (Edman, Källström, Isaksson). But what will the price be?

Demba Ba (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)

- Striker
- 25 y/o, 1.90 m, 82 kg
- Contracted until June 2011

Already targeted by Rennes a few years ago, de Demba Ba’s name has been returning lately as a possible reinforcement to Stade Rennes’ attacking line. However, there are major doubts on the possibility to achieve this transfer. First because the player is one of the best recognized forwards in Bundesliga (twenty five goals in sixty seven games) but also because of the tough competition with English teams, Aston Villa in particular. And no need to argue, Rennes doesn’t belong to the same category as the English giants. Closed case for the former Rouen player?

Gonzalo Bergessio (AS Saint-Étienne)

- Forward
- 26 y/o, 1.78 m, 73 kg
- Contracted until June 2013

Lacking confidence and playing time at Saint-Étienne, Gonzalo Bergessio would probably welcome a new destination during the next winter transfer window. Liked by his supporters, the costiest Saint-Etienne recruit to this day (6,5 million euros) is taking time to reach his full potential, and he has been plagued by injuries since he arrived at the club. This season, Bergessio has failed to score, for only three Ligue 1 starts. Is a forward lacking confidence the adapted solution to strengthen the attacking line?

Bobô (Beşiktaş JK, Turkey)

- Striker
- 25 y/o, 1.86 m, 85 kg
- Contracted until June 2011

Often announced to be on the brink of departure, but still at Beşiktaş. Deivson Rogério da Silva aka “Bobô” scores goal after goal but no European top team seems ready to give him a chance at a higher level. Two years ago. Marseille had shown much interest in him before abandoning the lead. Searching for a striker, the Brazilian forward has got the profile of a goal-machine awaited by Frédéric Antonetti since Asamoah Gyan’s departure. Rennes can try their chance, but it would probably mean a big investment to recruit one of Beşiktaş’ best ever goal-scorers, especially in terms of salary.

Wilfried Bony (AC Sparta Prague, Czech Republic)

- Striker
- 22 y/o, 1.81 m, 84 kg
- Contracted until June 2014

One of the best strikers in the Ligue Europa currently, with five goals: the Sparta Prague and Ivory Coast striker terrorises the Czech and European defences. Sometimes labelled the new Didier Drogba, Wilfried Bony has attracted attention from recruiters all across Europe. It is therefore logical, that Rennes has taken interest in Bony too, but the growing media attention is also becoming an inconvenient and his value has been growing recently. With over 20 goals already this season, in all competitions, the African did not hesitate to consider himself ready for a transfer as soon as this winter: “Naturally. Ib case of a good offer, I would think carefully. No problems”, he explained recently, while reminding that Bordeaux, Lyon or Marseille would be possible destinations. What about Stade Rennes?

Razak Boukari (RC Lens)

- Right winger, striker
- 23 y/o, 1.82 m, 70 kg
- Contracted until June 2013

Of all prospects discussed over the last few months, this is certainly the most likely to be converted, financially and sportively. Razak Boukari has been monitored closely by Frédéric Antonetti since many years, even when he was managing Nice. Versatile, as he is able to play at centre or on a wing, the Lens player has got the exact profile sought for by the Rennes management since several weeks. Also, he would be a perfect pick for the “Plan B” often discussed by the Rennes coach when he talks about his possible choices on the transfer market, because of the club’s budget. After the departures of Bangoura and Gyan, the club’s management had tried to manage the arrival of the Lens striker. However, Lens president Gervais Martel had refused any talks despite the player’s desire to play in Brittany. Only a delay?

David Degen (BSC Young Boys Berne, Switzerland)

- Forward
- 27 ans, 1.83 m, 76 kg
- Contracted until June 2014

Alexander Frei’s former team-mate is reportedly a target for Rennes’ management, who like his ability to play as a winger as well as a centre forward. Involved in the 2006 World Cup with Switzerland, David Degen has played in Switzerland for most of his career, except for a few seasons in Germany. With a heavy shooting ability, pacy, he showed his skills this season in the Europa League, with good games against Getafe or Stuttgart. Julian Esteban’s memory remains vivid in Rennes, but Degen’s arrival would certainly be a clever choice.

Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscou, Russia)

- Striker
- 22 y/o, 1.78 m, 73 kg
- Contracted until June 2015

A few years ago, Seydou Doumbia was lost in the Japanese second division. Top goal scorer in Super League (the Swiss league) last season, he signed to CSKA Moscow for 10 million euros, with equal success. Five goals in the Russian Premier league, four in Europa League, the Ivorian international is surfing on success, and is already thinking of a future move to England. Could Stade Rennes be his gateway? As for Bobô, the transfer fee would be important, but ambitions come at a price. However, there would be no reason for CSKA to rush the player’s sale.

Emmanuel Emenike (Karabükspor, Turkey)

- Striker
- 23 y/o, 1.82 m, 80 kg
- Contracted until June 2013

Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike is the surprise player this season in Turkey. With twelve goals so far, he is the current best goal scorer in the Turkish league, before Mamadou Niang. The African striker is attracting interest from several European teams. The club’s representative, Erdem Konyar, announced recently that Emenike was indeed targetted by some French clubs: « Ligue 1 would be a fantastic option. I think his athletic qualities would allow him to shine there”. A risky challenge, but there are reports that Monaco is also interested.

Mevlut Erding (Paris SG)

- Striker
- 23 y/o, 1.81 m, 85 kg
- Contracted until June 2013

Will Frédéric Antonetti’s eventually become real? In the past, the Corsican technician has already tried to sign Mevlüt Erding before the player ended up signing for Paris Saint-Germain in June 2009. After an excellent first season in the capital, the Turkish player is not as comfortable this year, because in particular of an increased competition in attack. His goal-scoring skills, his abilities to rush into spaces and his power are well known. But would Rennes have the financial power to bring Erding to Ille-et-Vilaine? The salary cap imposed by Pierre Dréossi would probably prove a stumbling block for a possible transfer of the former Sochaux man. A real shame.

Yoan Gouffran (FC Bordeaux)

- Right winger, Striker
- 25 y/o, 1.75 m, 70 kg
- Contracted until June 2012

Since he arrived in Gironde, Yoan Gouffran searches for his football… and also for an exit door. Arrived with high ambitions in June 2008, Gouffran seems to have lost his time and would happily seek a new challenge. Last summer, Rennes had asked Bordeaux for information about the player, but Jean Tigana wasn’t keen on strengthening a direct rival for European places. With nine goals in three seasons, he is far from the attacking influence he had in Caen, where he had scored twenty-five goals during the… last two seasons.

Erik Huseklepp (SK Brann, Norway)

- Right winger, Striker
- 26 y/o, 1.86 m, 74 kg
- Contracted until December 2013

A double goal scorer against France in August, in front of Nicolas Douchez and Yann M’Vila, Erik Huseklepp is a sure-bet in Norwegian football. During the 2009-2010 season, he managed a brilliant year with no less than fifteen goals and twelve assists. Able to play at centre or on a wing, he is an exact match to the profile sought after by Frédéric Antonetti. After several trips to watch him play, Pierre Dréossi has reportedly abandoned the prospect because of the player’s lacks in terms of defensive work. Real decision, disinformation in order to work discretely?

Dame N’Doye (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)

- Striker
- 25 y/o, 1.85 m, 75 kg
- Contracted until June 2013

Brought to the front of the stage despite his good will during a Champion’s League game this season, after a heavy contact with Victor Valdés, Dame N’Doye has also been remarked for scoring two goals in the competition, and helping the Danish team qualify for the next round in the C1. After playing in Qatar, Portugal and Greece, the Senegalese international exploded since he joined FC Copenhagen in January 2009. With over forty goals in two years, several European clubs are keeping a keen eye on him. But he doesn’t lose his cool when the topic is discussed: “Right now, I haven’t heard anything concrete from my agent. This is only newspaper talk. I don’t think about it myself. I’m focused 100% on the Danish Championship and Champions League with Copenhagen. Then, if an interesting offer arrives, my agent will let me know, I’m not worried about it".

Matías Suárez (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium)

- Striker
- 22 y/o, 1.82 m, 75 kg
- Contracted until June 2013

“He is elegant, ultra-skilled technically, and can change a game by himself”. This is in a few words the description made by a Belfium newspaper about Anderlecht striker Matías Suárez. Bought for close to nothing in June 2008 (1.2 million euros), it took until his second season to really satisfy the expectations of the Brussels club. Since he arrived in the Jupiler League, the Argentine has scored twenty five goals. But a departure is not impossible because of the current competition existing in the squad at Anderlecht. Would Rennes be adapted to Suárez’ career plan?

Lacina Traoré (CFR Cluj, Romania)

- Striker
- 20 y/o, 2.03 m, 85 kg
- Contracted until June 2012

A big player, the “new Adebayor” has become a real attraction since a few months. So much that Arsenal has expressed an interest on Lacina Traoré. The player’s raising reputation has attracted a score of European clubs who consider a move for the African giant. Included in Sven-Göran Eriksson’s squad of thirty players for the World Cup before being left out, he has since decided to play for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pierre Dréossi has even travelled to Basel, in order to observe him during a Champions League game. Questioned recently, his agent Thomas Boehm commented on his player’s situation: “He is performing well in the Champions League and we aim to have him play in a bigger league. It’s a fact. We won’t comment on rumours. At this moment, I can’t tell you anything about any of the offers.”.

Sources : L’Équipe, France Football, Foot Mercato