Stade Rennais vows to keep rising striker Esteban Lepaul this summer

Stade Rennais striker Esteban Lepaul, 26, already knows the exact date he is set to leave the club, yet the organisation has made clear his exit is not scheduled for this summer, insisting he remains to finish the 2026‑27 campaign after a pre‑season hat‑trick against Galatasaray.

The summer preparation highlighted Lepaul’s rising profile, but the club’s hierarchy insists he remains to complete the 2026‑27 campaign. Stade Rennais wants him to stay beyond the summer window.

During a high‑intensity pre‑season, Lepaul reached a new personal milestone, confirming his evolution as a key attacker. The club sees this as evidence of his growing importance.

His performances have attracted interest from several clubs, yet Rennes’ transfer plans have already been shaped by the decision to retain him this year. The market activity surrounding the striker is therefore limited for now.

Lepaul scored a hat‑trick in a 3‑3 friendly against Galatasaray, underscoring his increasing influence on the team. The brace demonstrated his ability to deliver in high‑profile matches.

Head coach Franck Haise was unequivocal, stating: “Estéban has extended, he wants to spend this season, make it even better, live the European Cup, it is not on the table and we agree on that. There is no discussion on this.”

Haise added: “Since my arrival, he continues to score. I am used to seeing him find the net. He is in permanent evolution, first because he scores, but also because of his game.”

Mohamed Toubache‑Ter hinted at a future sale, recalling tweets about Lepaul’s price and saying he hopes the club will realise the value he can bring within a year. Pour le Club, the stance remains firm: Lepaul must stay to develop, experience European competition and become an offensive leader, with the new season offering a chance to consolidate his role.