By There could be an exodus at Stade Rennais this summer. After missing out on European football for the first time in seven years, key players such as Arnaud Kalimuendo, Désiré Doué, Martin Terrier, Arthur Theate and Benjamin Bourigeuad could all depart at the end of the current campaign. However, Rennes will still be looking to strengthen and despite slightly depleted funds, a move for Georges Mikautadze (23) is on the cards, according to Ouest-France.
Mikautadze moved from FC Metz to Ajax on a permanent deal last August, however, amidst a crisis at the Eredivisie club, the Georgian international failed to establish himself and subsequently returned on loan to Metz in January. He has since flourished and despite not playing for Les Grenats for half a season, he is comfortably the club’s top scorer in Ligue 1 with 13 goals, 10 more than second-top-scorer Matthieu Udol.
Despite his efforts, Metz may still be relegated. With one game remaining, it looks a foregone certainty that the club will occupy the relegation play-off spot at full-time on Sunday. Their top-flight status will therefore hang in the balance. Be it in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2, it is thought that Metz don’t have the financial means to make Mikautadze’s return permanent, however, Ajax may not be interested in retaining the player either.
Ouest-France report that Rennes have held talks about a move for Mikautadze, whose contract at Ajax runs until 2028. Les Rennais had shown interest in the Georgian striker before he ultimately made the move to the Netherlands last summer. Perhaps this time they will get their man.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
