Polish midfielder Sebastian Szymanski has sealed a transfer to Rennes from Fenerbahce, with the deal now done and all parties on board. The 26-year-old is heading to France for his medical check, traveling with his agent Mario Cardete. Reports put the fee at around 10.5 million euros, and Szymanski will sign a contract running until June 2029.
The agreement came together quickly this week. Fenerbahce, the Turkish club where Szymanski played since 2023, gets the payment upfront. Some sources mention it as 9.5 million euros base plus 1 million in bonuses.
Others say 11 million with add-ons. Either way, it is a solid amount for a player who has been key for them but now moves on. Rennes pushed hard for him in the last few days, beating out any other interest.
Szymanski started his pro career at Legia Warsaw in Poland back in 2016. He made a name there before heading to Dynamo Moscow on loan in 2019, which turned permanent. In Russia, he scored goals and set up plays, catching eyes across Europe.
Fenerbahce picked him up for about 9.75 million euros in July 2023. Since then, he has appeared in over 80 games for the Istanbul side, netting 22 goals and 23 assists. This season alone, he has two goals and one assist in 25 outings.
He is versatile. Plays as an attacking midfielder, sometimes on the wing. Good with the ball, quick decisions, and a strong shot. Poland counts on him too. He has 50 caps, six goals for the national team. At the recent Euros, he started games and helped Poland push forward.
Why the move now? Fenerbahce sits top of the Super Lig, but maybe they need funds or squad tweaks. Rennes, in Ligue 1, is mid-table after a mixed start. They want to climb for European spots. Manager Julien Stephan sees Szymanski as a boost to their attack. The club has Polish winger Przemyslaw Frankowski already, so that might ease the settle-in.
Talks kicked off last week. Rennes showed interest early January, no formal bid at first. Then offers came: one report said 13 million with bonuses. Personal terms got sorted fast. Szymanski agreed to a four-year deal, some say until 2030. By Thursday, he should be in Brittany signing papers.
Fans in Turkey are mixed. Some sad to lose a star, others think the fee is fair. On social media, posts from journalists like Fabrice Hawkins broke the news first. Matteo Moretto confirmed the 11 million figure. In France, L’Equipe covered the final steps.
This is not Rennes’ only business. They look at other targets to strengthen. For Fenerbahce, cash helps in the window. They might replace him soon.
Szymanski’s market value hovers around 20 million euros, so Fenerbahce might feel they sold low. But with his contract until 2027, it is a decent return. He turned down other clubs to join Rennes.
Once medical passes, expect an official announcement. Rennes plays next against a league rival. If quick, Szymanski could debut soon. Training with the team starts right after.
This transfer shows how winter windows work. Clubs like Rennes grab chances to fix squads. For Szymanski, a new league, new challenges. Ligue 1 suits his style: technical, fast-paced.
Polish fans watch closely. With Frankowski there, it is like a mini national team hub. Szymanski aims for more caps, maybe a bigger role.
The deal wraps up a saga that heated up fast. From rumors to done in days. Football moves quick. Stay tuned for the signing photo.
Rennes hopes this pushes them up the table. Fenerbahce focuses on their title chase without him. Szymanski gets a fresh start at 26, prime years ahead.