“I have come to a club that have ambition and……” Glen Kamara may appear to have thrown a dig at Leeds United after Hailing Rennes as a club that has ambition, amid speculations that he left the club because Leeds fails to get promoted

Glen Kamara has explained why he left Leeds United to join Stade Rennais in a surprise move. The 28-year-old Finland international joined Rennes on a four-year deal, leaving Leeds after just one year at the club.

Kamara played a key role in Daniel Farke’s side during the 2023-24 season, making 42 appearances. However, Leeds needed to sell players to balance the books and avoid a possible points deduction due to Profit & Sustainability Rules.

Kamara’s move to Rennes is the club’s second most-expensive sale at £8.5m, following Archie Gray’s £40m move to Tottenham. Rennes are not in European competition, but Kamara is excited to join a club in one of the top-five leagues in Europe.

In an interview with the Rennes website, Kamara explained his decision to join the Ligue 1 side: “I had very good first contacts with the managers. I came here because the club has ambition. I know that it was built in particular thanks to the training of great players, it is a talent factory. I hope my experience will help to have the best possible season. There are plenty of assets here to succeed.”

Leeds cannot see Joe Rothwell as Kamara’s replacement, despite the addition of Rothwell on loan from Bournemouth. Rothwell provides Daniel Farke with a midfielder capable of scoring goals, which Leeds lacked last term. However, Rothwell should only be viewed as competition to start in midfield, not a direct replacement.

There are differing reports surrounding whether Rothwell was brought to Leeds to replace Kamara. Some suggest that Rothwell is eyed as a potential replacement, which would annoy fans. Leeds need to use the money paid for Kamara to bring in a new midfielder.