Mercato: Bain to Auxerre, Reinforced Rennes

From a new striker at AJ Auxerre to a midfield rebuild at Stade Rennais, we look back at the day's latest news from the mercato.

Bain joins Auxerre

Promoted AJ Auxerre have already shown themselves to be one of the busiest clubs this ummer, adding Nigerian defender Gabriel Osho from Luton Town and Ivorian winder Lasso Coulibaly from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland. With their latest move, they've not only underscored their ambition, but also brought another Canadian to Ligue 1, following the arrival of Ismaël Koné to Olympique de Marseille.

Having finished his Copa América campaign with Canada, Theo Bair has joined Christophe Pélissier's side from Scottish Premier League team Motherwell. Born in Ottawa, the 24-year-old Bair made his professional debut with Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps, before moving to St. Johnstone in 2022. After a year in Perth, he joined Motherwell, helping the club avoid relegation with 15 league goals.  

Glen Kamara signs with Rennes 🇫🇮🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/TKjOp9Ex3g

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) July 16, 2024

RENNES REINFORCE MIDFIELD

Stade Rennais have already seen two midfielders depart this summer, losing both Enzo Le Fée and Fabian Rieder, the latter on loan, since the meracto opened, but had yet to make moves to replace them. That changed in recent days, as the club brought in a pair of midfielders in Danish international Albert Grønbæk and Finnish international Glen Kamara. 

Grønbæk joins the Breton side from FK Bodø/Glimt in Norway, having played two seasons with the upstart side, helping them to an Eliteserien title last season. A Danish youth international, Grønbæk is capable of playing anywhere in midfield, but has largely impressed in advanced roles, and will add another string to Julien Stéphan's proverbial bow. Speaking to the club's website, Grønbæk  underscored the potential that the move presented him, saying: "It’s a great opportunity for me, I’m very happy to join a very competitive club, known for its support of young players."

Kamara arrives in Rennes from Leeds United having failed to help the English side return to the top flight, but with a decorated career in Scortland, where he spent four season with Rangers from 2019-23. In addition to helping the 'Gers win an historic title in 2021, he also was a key part of their run to the Europa League Final in 2022. 

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