Rennes and Doku Renew Contract, Club Adds 70 Million Euro Release Clause

The French Ligue 1 club Rennes has announced that it has renewed the contract of defender Jules Kounde with the club until June 2025.

The agreement also includes a release clause which will allow the club to sell him for up to €70 million if he chooses to leave.

Kounde, who joined Rennes from Bordeaux in 2019, has made more than 100 appearances for the club since his debut, scoring four goals and assisting six.

He was also named as one of the best defenders in Europe by The Guardian earlier this year.

The addition of Kounde to the squad is expected to strengthen the team's defence, with the club hoping to challenge for the league title next season.

The club's president, Stéphane Moulin, said: "We're delighted to have signed Jules Kounde to extend his contract at Rennes until 2025. He's a fantastic player and we believe he can help us achieve our ambitions."

The club has also confirmed that they have added another defender, Benjamin Mendy, on loan from Manchester City, in a bid to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new season.

The move is seen as a significant coup for Rennes, who have struggled defensively in recent seasons.

With Kounde and Mendy now in the fold, the club hopes to improve its chances of winning silverware and challenging for the top spot in Ligue 1.