As announced by both Rennes and Cardiff this afternoon, 23 year old defender Kevin Theophile-Catherine has made the move to the Premier League to sign a four year deal with the Welsh side, We, Get French Football News, understand that the fee for the player is €3.5 million with the addition of €0.5 million in bonuses.
Theophile-Catherine is a full-back, normally playing at left back, but he has also played some games in the centre of defence for Rennes. He has been a regular member of the Ligue 1 side’s first team over the last 3 years and has been at Rennes for almost 10 years, having come through the youth ranks there. Whether he will be good enough for the intensity and physicality of the Premier League remains to be seen.
Coming in at Rennes as a replacement, However, is ex-Lille left back Emerson da Conceição, who has also been known to play in the centre of the back four. The 27 year old defender has just terminated his contract at Trabzonspor and so will join Rennes for free in the coming days. He is expected in Rennes tomorrow for a medical and to confirm his deal.
Rennes have been very busy in the week as they look to strengthen their squad before the window slams shuts. The have brought in Sunderland target Cheikh M’Bengue from Toulouse and loaned Foued Kadir from Marseille. Two very astute signings by new coach Philippe Montanier.
