Rennes have reportedly dismissed their manager just three days after completing the signing of Kyogo Furuhashi from Celtic.
The Japanese striker finalized a £10 million transfer to the French club on Monday, a move that also saw winger Jota return to Celtic as part of the deal.
However, it seems the manager who brought Furuhashi to Rennes will not be in charge when the 30-year-old is expected to make his debut against Strasbourg this Sunday.
Reports from France suggest that Rennes have decided to part ways with head coach Jorge Sampaoli following a disappointing run of results that has left the club battling relegation.
Rennes have suffered four consecutive defeats in Ligue 1 and currently sit in 16th place, which is the relegation play-off spot. They are just two points ahead of Montpellier, with bottom-placed Le Havre a further two points behind.
Sampaoli, the Argentine coach, was appointed in November last year but has failed to turn around the team’s fortunes since taking over from Julien Stephan. According to Fabrizio Romano, the decision to sack Sampaoli has already been made.
“Rennes have decided to sack the manager Jorge Sampaoli, it’s over. The decision is confirmed and will be made official soon, as L’Équipe reported,” the journalist posted on X.
This development leaves Kyogo in an uncertain position ahead of his anticipated debut for Rennes this weekend. However, it could also create an opportunity for former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara to remain at the club.
The Finnish international had fallen out of favor under Sampaoli following his £8 million move from Leeds in the summer and was expected to leave during the January transfer window, with Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Burnley, and Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab among the interested parties.
However, Romano reports that those exit talks are now on hold. “Glen Kamara and Mika Faye among players in talks for exit now waiting to understand what happens with Rennes coach,” he added.
