Rennes midfielder Djaoui Cisse agrees in principle to Strasbourg move

Djaoui Cisse is increasingly likely to leave Stade Rennais before the summer transfer window closes, with RC Strasbourg having made significant progress towards signing the 22-year-old midfielder.

Cisse has given his principle agreement to join Strasbourg, according to reports from Foot Mercato and Santi Aouna, although the final details of his proposed contract have yet to be completed.

The France-born Mali international has two years remaining on his current deal with Rennes, which runs until 2030. However, he recognises that a move away from the Breton club could be the best option for the next stage of his career after his prospects of regular playing time were reduced by the arrival of four new players.

Cisse has been an important member of the Rennes squad over the past two seasons, providing valuable service in midfield. But the competition for places has intensified, prompting him to consider a departure despite the length of his existing contract.

Strasbourg have shown concrete interest in recent days and believe Cisse fits the recruitment strategy of the BlueCo group, which focuses on signing young players with significant potential to increase in market value.

The player is also attracted by Strasbourg’s sporting project and has already indicated that he is willing to make the move. An agreement between the two clubs is now required over the final transfer fee before the deal can be completed.

Strasbourg remain cautious because of interest from clubs outside France. Fulham and Eintracht Frankfurt are monitoring the situation closely and could submit official offers soon, creating the possibility of further competition for the midfielder.

Rennes are keen to resolve Cisse’s future quickly. The club wants to complete the transfer, if possible, so it can finalise other moves before the summer market closes.

The immediate focus for Rennes is their second match of the French league season, against Le Mans FC. Ahead of that fixture, bookmaker 1xBet lists Rennes as favourites at odds of 1.40 to win. A draw is priced at 5.00, while a victory for Le Mans is rated at 6.50.

Cisse’s potential move would bring an end to his time at Stade Rennais after two seasons in which he established himself as a useful option for the first-team squad. His contract situation means Rennes are not under immediate pressure to sell, but the player’s reduced route to playing time and Strasbourg’s interest have made a transfer increasingly plausible.

For now, the deal depends on the two clubs reaching agreement over the fee and on the remaining contractual details being settled. Fulham and Eintracht Frankfurt could still alter the picture if either club makes a formal approach before the window shuts.