Stade rennais – Lens: Kalimuendo’s Final Dance?
Arnaud Kalimuendo, who arrived in August 2022, may be playing his last match for Stade Rennais against Lens, his former club. The forward has been in excellent form recently, having scored 15 goals and provided 4 assists in 40 matches this season, including 11 goals in 2024 alone. Against Lens, Kalimuendo will face his previous team, where he was loaned from PSG before being transferred to Rennes two years ago.
In a press conference, coach Julien Stéphan confirmed that Kalimuendo’s upcoming match against Lens will be his final one of the season, as he will be suspended for the following game against Reims. Stéphan expressed his satisfaction with the decision to retain Kalimuendo in January despite interest from other clubs. He praised the player’s contributions to the team and highlighted his recent strong performances.
Despite being targeted by Eintracht Frankfurt during the winter transfer window, Rennes rejected offers as high as 20 million euros to keep Kalimuendo until the summer. The decision paid off, as the striker has continued to deliver on the pitch. Stéphan commended Kalimuendo’s work rate, unselfish play, and improvement in various aspects of his game, which have led to his increased goal-scoring efficiency.
With Sunday’s match potentially being Kalimuendo’s last at Roazhon Park and possibly for Stade Rennais altogether, the player remains focused on the present, aiming to secure European qualification for the team. Kalimuendo’s dedication and performance have been key factors in Rennes‘ success, and his future beyond the current season is a topic for another day as he maintains his focus on the task at hand.