After seven years at Stade Rennais, Benjamin Bourigeaud (30), who began last season as captain of the Breton club, could make a departure this summer, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, according to a report from L’Équipe. 

Without the allure of European football, Rennes are preparing to lose many players this summer. Enzo Le Fée, Jeanuël Belocian, Matthis Abline and Fabian Rieder have all already departed Les Rennais, but many more could follow, notably Désiré Doué, the subject of interest from many of Europe’s top clubs, including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. 

However, they could also lose some of their more experienced elements, including Bourigeaud. The versatile midfielder, whose contract with Rennes runs until the summer of 2026, is the subject of interest from two Saudi clubs: Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad. The latter is now managed by former France manager Laurent Blanc. A departure is therefore on the cards for Bourigeaud and a move to the Gulf State a distinct possibility. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle