Stade Rennais have set their sights on Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra, with the Brittany club determined to secure the services of the 21-year-old Senegalese international during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Diarra, a key figure at RC Strasbourg for several seasons, is expected to attract significant attention this summer as clubs across Europe take note of his development and leadership qualities.
With the French top flight bracing for a flurry of transfer activity, Diarra has emerged as one of the most highly coveted young talents in Ligue 1.
Alongside teammates Emanuel Emegha and Andrey Santos, the latter poised to return to Chelsea after his loan spell, Diarra is among several Strasbourg players likely to be targeted in the coming weeks.
But while interest in the Senegalese midfielder continues to rise, Rennes are reportedly prepared to go all out in their pursuit despite the many obstacles that stand in their way.
According to transfer insider Mohamed Toubache-Ter, the Rennes hierarchy are fully aware of the complexity of the deal but remain committed to trying everything possible to bring Diarra to Roazhon Park. “The situation is very complicated,” he stated, before adding that Rennes “is not giving up.”
Diarra, who has captained Strasbourg with maturity well beyond his years, remains under contract with the club until June 2028.
This strengthens Strasbourg’s negotiating position and could push the asking price to around €20 million.
Any move would therefore require not only a convincing offer to the club but also an ambitious personal proposal to the player himself.
Further complicating Rennes’ pursuit is competition from the Premier League. Both Everton and Brighton are reported to be monitoring Diarra closely, offering the allure of English football to the young midfielder.
The presence of such high-profile suitors may challenge Rennes’ hopes of winning the race, particularly given the financial muscle of clubs in England.
Nonetheless, Rennes do hold one potential advantage. The club’s current recruitment chief Loïc Désiré previously served as Strasbourg’s sporting director.
While his familiarity with Diarra may offer a helpful connection, sources close to the matter suggest it will not be decisive in the player’s final decision.
Should Rennes manage to pull off the transfer, it would be a major statement of intent ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Signing Diarra,
one of the brightest young African midfielders in Europe, would not only strengthen their squad but also mark the opening of their summer business with a high-profile acquisition.
For now, the transfer remains speculative. Strasbourg, who have built much of their recent stability around Diarra’s presence, are unlikely to part ways easily with their captain.
But as Rennes push forward and interest from abroad grows stronger, the next few weeks may prove pivotal in shaping the future of one of Ligue 1’s rising stars.
