Rennes eye former Chelsea players Nemanja Matic and Tiemoue Bakayoko as possible replacements for Lesley Ugochukwu, after teen midfielder’s £23.5m move to the Blues

Rennes are eyeing up two former Chelsea players as possible replacements for Lesley Ugochukwu after the teen’s £23.5m move to Stamford Bridge. 

Ugochukwu, 19, is tipped to be a future footballing success, and his departure leaves Rennes with a defensive midfield hole to fill ahead of Europa League football this season.

L’Equipe has highlighted two former Chelsea players who could fill Ugochukwu’s role at Roazhon Park – Tiemoue Bakayoko and Nemanja Matic.

Bakayoko, 28, came through the youth academy at Rennes before joining Monaco in 2014. He is a free agent after the end of his time at Chelsea, following two years on loan at AC Milan.

Initial moves have been made to welcome him back to Rennes, although it is not yet clear if this will materialise. 

Tiemoue Bakayoko and Nemanja Matic are reportedly being eyed up by French side Rennes

Rennes are looking to replace Lesley Ugochukwu after his £23.5m move to Chelsea

Meanwhile at 34 years of age, Matic is a veteran of the game, at the opposite end of his career to Ugochukwu. He has two spells at Chelsea under his belt, winning two Premier League titles and the FA Cup with the Blues. 

Following the expiry of his contract at Manchester United, Matic moved to Roma last season, and played 50 matches in all competitions for Jose Mourinho’s side.

However, he has been put forward as an option to replace Ugochukwu at Rennes, albeit probably behind Bakayoko in likelihood to sign.  

Rennes finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, qualifying for the Europa League in the 2023/24 campaign.