Rennes have officially announced the signing of midfielder Nemanja Matić (35) from Roma.
The 35-year-old has put pen to paper over a two-year deal with the current Ligue 1 leaders. Stade Rennais and the Serie A club have reportedly agreed upon a transfer fee in excess of €2m for the Serbian international. Rennes were in the market for a defensive midfielder following the €27m sale of prospect Lesley Ugochukwu to spendthrift Chelsea.
Matić, a three-time Premier League winner with the Blues (2010, 2015 and 2017), is the latest signing that embodies the new ambitions of Stade Rennais, who are gunning for a Champions League spot for next season. Even if his peak years are behind him, the former Manchester United man will bring much-needed experience to Bruno Genesio’s side. Matić flew in from Rome to Rennes on Sunday night, minutes after his future teammates had dimanstled a sorry Metz side. The now-former Roma midfielder has passed his medical this Monday. Matić is expected to be eligible for Rennes’ away clash at Lens’ Stade Bollaert next Sunday.