Kazeem Olaigbe Completes €6m Transfer to Ligue 1 Side Rennes

Belgian club Cercle Brugge have confirmed that Nigerian winger Kazeem Olaigbe has taken a “new, beautiful step” in his career after completing a transfer to French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennes. The 21 year old signed a contract with Rennes that runs until mid-2029, with the French club paying €6 million for the player.

Olaigbe’s move comes as Rennes sit precariously in 15th place, just one spot above the Ligue 1 relegation zone. Cercle Brugge’s technical director, Rembert Vromant, expressed pride in the player’s progression despite his departure, noting that Olaigbe’s move to a top European league is a testament to his development.

“We are of course sorry that Kazeem is leaving us, but we are also very proud that another one of our players is moving to a G5 competition,” Vromant said. He acknowledged that several clubs had shown interest in the winger since the summer of 2023, but both parties decided to continue working on his growth until now.

Cercle Brugge signed Olaigbe in 2023, and during his time with the club, he scored 12 goals and provided an assist in 60 appearances. His consistent performances drew attention, making him a highly sought after talent.

The move to Rennes presents an opportunity for the winger to test himself at a higher level while contributing to the club’s push for stability in Ligue 1.

Editorial

Olaigbe’s move to Rennes is another example of how young Nigerian talents are steadily making their mark on the European stage. His transfer reflects not only personal ambition but also the effectiveness of developmental structures like those at Cercle Brugge, which have nurtured him over the last two years.

This move comes at a critical time for Rennes, who are battling to avoid relegation. Olaigbe’s pace, creativity, and goal scoring ability could provide the spark they need to turn their season around. But for this to happen, Rennes must give him regular playing time and integrate him quickly into their tactical plans.

On the flip side, the player’s future success will depend on how well he adjusts to the increased intensity and demands of Ligue 1. We believe that Olaigbe’s determination and prior experience in Belgium will aid this transition, but Rennes must provide him with a supportive environment to ensure he thrives.

For Nigerian football, this transfer is another boost, as it showcases the global demand for Nigerian players. As more players like Olaigbe rise through the ranks of European football, they can serve as inspiration for young talents aspiring to follow similar paths.

Did You Know?

1. Cercle Brugge’s reputation for player development The Belgian club has a strong history of grooming young talents who move on to top European leagues.
2. Rennes’ Nigerian connections Olaigbe is not the first Nigerian to join Rennes legendary forward Victor Ikpeba also had a stint in French football.
3. Ligue 1’s attraction for African players The league is known for nurturing African talent, with many stars like Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o making names for themselves in France before moving on to bigger clubs.
4. Olaigbe’s early potential Before joining Cercle Brugge, Olaigbe spent time in the youth systems of clubs like Southampton, where his talent was first recognised.
5. Nigerians excelling in European leagues Players such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Kelechi Iheanacho have continued to put Nigerian football on the global map with successful club careers.