L’Equipe and Ouest-France are reporting that Stade Rennais are set to sign Hatayspor forward Bertug Yildirim (21). The young Turkey U21 international is expected to land in Brittany this Tuesday.
Rennes were in the market for a tall and physical centre-forward with a view to compete with France U21 international Arnaud Kalimuendo, who is struggling to justify his €25m move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. Martin Terrier is still out of contention after suffering an ACL injury at the turn of the year. Terrier is expected to return to the squad after the international break.
Yildirim has logged six goals and three assists in 37 games played with Hatayspor. The 21-year-old centre-forward will reportedly cost Rennes €5m. Bruno Genesio’s side, who will know on Friday who they will face in the Europa League group stage, are also in the market for a midfielder and a centre-back, in the event that Arthur Theate leaves the Roazhon Park. Talks are reportedly advanced with BSC Young Boys for the signing of Swiss playmaker Fabian Rieder whilst Rennes have reportedly submitted a €9m bid to Tottenham to acquire Davinson Sánchez. They are also keeping an eye on out-of-favour Barcelona centre-back Clément Lenglet.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
