Most high-profile European leagues, including Ligue 1, began their seasons this weekend, and Glen Kamara made his Rennes debut after leaving Leeds United in the summer.
The 28-year-old elected to leave Leeds in the summer for a fee thought to be in the region of £8.5 million following only one season at Elland Road, having joined Daniel Farke’s side from Scottish giants Rangers last August.
The 59-time Finland international made 42 appearances for Leeds as the slightly more attacking option in the middle of the park, with either Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev, as Farke’s team advanced to the play-off final.
But losing forced the 49ers to sell if the price was reasonable for the bulk of Leeds players. He is one of eight players to be sold, including Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, and Archie Gray.
French media praises “intelligent” Kamara after Rennes debut.
Rennes made a great start to the Ligue 1 season on Sunday night, hosting giants Lyon. Rennes won 3-0 thanks to Kamara’s 90-minute performance in the heart of the park.
According to WhoScored, Kamara recorded three tackles, one interception, two accurate long balls, a critical pass, and 59 of 64 passes completed. Kamara had a tremendous start, and French website Maxifoot scored him a 7.5 for his performance.
“Excellent performance. His excellent placement enabled him to recover numerous balls despite breaking the lines. He deflected the cross, which led to the third. Certainly one of the best transfers of the Ligue 1 window.”
Leeds have yet to replace the loss of Kamara this summer.
While Joe Rothwell has been loaned in, Farke has stated that he wants four new players, one of whom must be a midfielder. A suitable alternative for Kamara, capable of scoring a couple more goals for Leeds.
Dejan Ljubicic has been targeted, but Koln turned down a £3.3 million approach from Leeds for the Austria international. It remains to be seen whether Leeds will re-enter the market for the playmaker, who is in his final year of contract.
With 11 days left in the transfer window, additional names are anticipated to emerge, and it is possible that a complete unknown may compete for a starting berth at Leeds next month.
