French-Malian midfielder Djaoui Cissé emerges as Strasbourg transfer target

French club RC Strasbourg Alsace are interested in signing Rennes midfielder Djaoui Cissé as they look to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes.

According to L’Équipe, Strasbourg have identified the 22-year-old France youth international as a potential addition to their midfield, although no talks have yet taken place between the two clubs.

Cissé’s future at Rennes appears increasingly uncertain after he failed to establish himself in the first-team plans last season.

Cissé struggles for regular football

The midfielder broke into the Rennes first team during the second half of the 2024-25 season but was unable to maintain that momentum during the following campaign.

He struggled for regular playing time under both Habib Beye and Franck Haise, leaving his position at the club increasingly unclear.

Cissé has also been absent from Rennes’ pre-season campaign, further suggesting that a departure could be possible before the transfer window closes.

He is among several Rennes players whose futures are uncertain, alongside Breel Embolo, Jordan James and Lilian Brassier.

Strasbourg need midfield reinforcements

Strasbourg are considering strengthening their midfield after losing several players in the position.

Valentin Barco left for Chelsea earlier in the summer, while Rabby Nzingoula and Junior Mwanga have also departed on permanent transfers.

Those exits have created space for further recruitment, with Cissé now emerging as a potential target for the French club.

Talks yet to begin

Despite Strasbourg’s interest, the two clubs have not yet opened formal negotiations over the midfielder.

Cissé will therefore have to wait for further developments as Strasbourg assess their options and Rennes decide what to do with a player who has struggled to secure a regular role.

With the transfer window approaching its final stages, the France youth international’s future at Roazhon Park remains uncertain