The air around the transfer market always hums with whispers, but few statements cut through the noise like those from a coach. This week, Rennes manager Habib Beye sent a clear message. He spoke ahead of his team’s Sunday match against Lorient, a second-week clash in the French league. Beye made it plain that his club would not be pushed into overpaying for new talent, specifically a forward.
Rennes has been looking to add another striker, and two names keep surfacing. One of them is Conrad Harder, a Danish forward. Harder currently plays for Sporting, where his playing time has shrunk. This happened after Colombian forward Luis Suárez, who once played for AlmerÃa, arrived at the two-time national champions.
Coach Beye chose his words carefully at the press conference. “We’re not so desperate that we’ll try to sign every forward on the planet,” he explained. He confirmed Rennes is still in the market and actively pursuing targets. However, he warned, “If a player becomes too expensive or out of reach tomorrow, we won’t do anything.” Beye stressed that they would not agree to a price they didn’t see as fair. He added that if they couldn’t find the right deal, he was perfectly happy with his current squad. “It’s competitive as it is,” he stated, highlighting his respect for the players already under his command. “We are quite calm about the situation,” he noted, emphasizing that if the right forward comes at the right price, they will bring him in to strengthen the team.
According to reports from Record, Sporting has already turned down two offers from Rennes for Conrad Harder. The Portuguese club felt those bids were far below their asking price. Sporting reportedly wants 20 million euros for the Danish player.
Beye also painted a picture of the exact kind of forward he hopes to bring in. He described a player who could push against opposing defenses, much like Mousa Al Tamarai. Yet, this new player should perhaps have even more physical strength. He also needs someone who can effectively position himself inside the penalty box. Beye mentioned Kader Meïté as a player who could grow into this role. Meïté still needs to improve his runs into space and his box positioning, despite having the natural talent. Ultimately, Beye is looking for a goal-scorer. He wants someone effective right away, who has already proven they can fit into a club like Rennes.