At the start of the 2024-2025 season of Ligue 1, Steve Mandanda, So captain of Stade Rennais, had probably not imagined living so many adventures. Past of Brice Samba in early Januarythe former French international (35 selections) had to put his ego aside to adapt to a new situation where, in the shadow of the holder, he trains knowing that he will no longer be the number one option on weekends. At 40 since March 28, “Il Fenomeno” is at a crossroads. Stop or? This is the question he must ask himself while his contract ends on June 30, 2025.
Despite the advanced age, he still takes pleasure in putting on gloves and maintains good relations with his coach Habib Beye who rents his leadership. “I do not classify it in a logic of number 2 or 3, he is my guardian, I am a coach happy to have it by my side and the longest will be best,” said the 47 -year -old technician last month, about Mandanda. Understand that it would not be opposed to its extension. Except that management is not of the same opinion.
According to our information, the executive president of Stade Rennais Arnaud Pouille was even very clear with Mandanda a few days ago, announcing that he did not intend to stretch his lease. The former Lensois invested himself personally in the transfer of Samba for 15 million euros (and the goalkeeper coach, Hervé Sekli) and therefore does not visualize the future with the 2018 world champion.
Lembet your party
With six contracts under contract at the moment, Rennes provides departures. Free on June 30, 2025, Geoffrey Lembet (36 years old) will leave the club to make room To young Ayoub Akabou (17). A first one year of one year more than two years as an option was also offered to Mathys Silistrie (19 years old). Mandanda, who arrived three years ago, will have to decide for the future. Some clubs have taken information for a last freelance, but the former Phocaean does not give the impression of having already looked elsewhere. If he finally decided to hang up the crampons at the end of the season, to perhaps convert into a new role in Rennes or in another project, the trip to Marseille, on May 17, would offer him a symbolic outing in a Vélodrome stadium where he knew everything. Case to follow …
