Stade Rennais have officially completed the signing of versatile Black Stars defender Alidu Seidu from Clermont Foot for a reported fee of €11 million.
The 23-year-old player has inked a four-and-a-half-year contract, tying him to the club until June 2028.
Après plus de 4 saisons et 89 matchs en 🔴&🔵, @AliduSeidu15 quitte le Clermont Foot 63.
Avant de partir, il tenait à vous dire quelques mots. Foutue poussière dans l'œil 🥲#NousSommesClermont 🫶 pic.twitter.com/At4CxKZg5u
— Clermont Foot 63 (@ClermontFoot) January 29, 2024
Seidu’s arrival is anticipated to inject strength into a struggling Rennais side currently occupying the 9th spot in Ligue 1. The team, grappling with inconsistency this season, aims to leverage Seidu’s experience and skill to make a push for European qualification.
Rennais proudly announced Seidu’s signing on social media through a video, expressing their enthusiasm about welcoming him to the squad. Fans eagerly await his potential debut, possibly during the home game against Montpellier on February 3rd.
𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗱𝘂 𝗦𝗲𝗶𝗱𝘂 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗲 𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝗿 ✊
Le défenseur ghanéen rejoint le SRFC jusqu'en 2028. Degemer mat Alidu ! 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/S6kx4M985w
— Stade Rennais F.C. (@staderennais) January 29, 2024
Known for his ability to play as a centre-back, right-back, and occasionally a left-back, Seidu returns to France after a brief stint with the Ghana national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a limited role in the group-stage elimination, featuring for only 18 minutes.
For you Mama ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JwAdd7fwoV
— Alidu Seidu (@AliduSeidu15) January 29, 2024
Amidst the backdrop of Ghana’s national team turmoil, marked by the dismissal of coach Chris Hughton following a dismal AFCON performance, Seidu’s transfer represents a positive turn for the talented defender.
🇬🇭 Alidu Seidu, with his mother, on his way to France to complete a deal with new club Rennes who are signing the defender from Clermont Foot for a reported €11 million + add-ons.
Seidu only played 18 minutes for the Black Stars at the #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/6VzZXNDV6C
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) January 27, 2024
Beginning his career at the prestigious JMG academy in Abidjan, Seidu swiftly rose to the professional ranks. His partnership with compatriot Abdul Salis Samed now at RC Lens at Clermont Foot B saw both players quickly earn promotions to the first team.
With Seidu’s move to Rennais, he aims to contribute significantly to his new team’s European aspirations, showcasing the defensive prowess that has made him a formidable force on the pitch.