Transfer target Bourigeaud’s future at Rennes still up in the air
THE future of reported Leicester City transfer target Benjamin Bourigeaud remains up in the air with his club Rennes still waiting for positive feedback over contract talks.
City have been named as an interested party in the versatile 28-year-old, who scored against them in the Europa Conference League last season.
That was one of 12 he netted in all competitions, with the Frenchman also providing 16 assists.
Bourigeaud has only one year left on his contract with Rennes and while there have been talks over a new deal, he has not yet indicated to his club whether he will sign it.
That’s according to their sporting director Florian Maurice, who is hoping for an answer so he can organise the rest of his club’s transfer business. “I have already discussed with Benjamin and his agent to find an extension solution,” Maurice said, as reported by L’Equipe.
“I haven’t had any positive feedback.
“That doesn’t mean I won’t, but at some point I’m going to need to know where I’m going.”
City were first named as a suitor for Bourigeaud by French media in April, but their name has emerged again over recent weeks.
He is an intriguing target, given his age and position.
A central midfielder at boyhood club Lens, Bourigeaud played on the right wing during his first campaign with Rennes in 2017-18, but then moved back to the middle. However, last season he was placed back on the right-hand side and enjoyed the most prolific season of his career, with 28 goals and assists in 48 matches.
Those tallies helped Rennes finish fourth in Ligue 1, earning them qualification to the Europa League.
City are seeking a right-sided winger and at least two central midfielders as part of their squad revamp this summer and Bourigeaud’s versatility perhaps makes him a more attractive buy.
While 28 is on the older side for players City would usually target, Bourigeaud would be much cheaper than many other options given he only has one year on his deal.
His creativity would certainly be welcomed by City.
Bourigeaud fashioned 122 chances in Ligue 1 last season, the most of any player in any of Europe’s top five divisions.
Many of those were crosses from wide, with his corner deliveries particularly dangerous, another attribute that may have caught City’s eye with Rodgers hoping his side can improve in that area.