Formerly Rangers linked striker Serhou Guirassy has signed for Ligue 1 club Rennes from Amiens on a long-term deal.
The Courrier Picard reported in December 2019 that the Gers were scouting the 24-year-old, who had only moved to Amiens from FC Koln a few months earlier for a fee in the region of £5 million [Scottish Sun].
Rangers were far from the only club credited with interest at the time, with Leicester City, Roma and Bologna all also said to be circling.
Guirassy stayed put at Amiens beyond the January window, but after they were relegated to the second tier amid the global health crisis, the club’s President, Bernard Joannin, told the L’Equipe du Soir programme that he would be allowed to leave in the summer.
After a period of uncertainty, it was announced on Friday afternoon that the former French youth international had joined Rennes on a five-year contract.
Foot Mercato reported earlier in the week that the agreed transfer fee was around €15 million (approximately £13.5m).
Former Rangers linked striker Serhou Guirassy joins Rennes – Verdict
Guirassy had been tipped to move away from Amiens for some time, with the club always likely to try and cash in on their biggest asset following relegation to Ligue 2.
A move overseas had looked on earlier in the summer with Brighton and West Ham amongst the Premier League clubs allegedly keen on the forward [Daily Mail].
However, in the end, he remained in France, securing his future with a long-term contract.
Rangers’ interest appeared to cool after the winter months, perhaps due to the player’s asking price, and the club have since brought in much cheaper alternatives in Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten, strengthening Steven Gerrard’s attacking options.
With nine goals and three assists in his 23 league outings for an Amiens side that struggled last season, though, Guirassy is a good addition for a Rennes side who will compete in the Champions League group stages this year after finishing the curtailed 2019/20 Ligue 1 campaign in third place.