Ipswich Town have confirmed serious interest in Rennes forward Breel Embolo as the club prepares for a second‑tier campaign after finishing 2nd in the Championship with 84 points, 23 wins, 15 draws and 8 losses. The 29‑year‑old Swiss international, who netted 10 league goals and added three assists for Rennes last season, is seen as a potential Premier League‑ready striker.
Who is Breel Embolo?
Breel Embolo arrived at Rennes from AS Monaco for €13 million last summer. In his debut Ligue 1 season he scored ten goals and provided three assists, while also delivering two goals and two assists at the World Cup. His blend of pace, power and finishing has attracted attention beyond France, with MLS side Atlanta United reportedly placing him at the top of their target list.
Why Ipswich Town want him now
Ipswich Town, fresh from a promotion‑winning campaign, are reshaping a squad that conceded 47 goals while scoring 80 this season, a +33 goal difference that underlines their attacking intent. Manager Kieran McKenna has hinted that adding a proven striker could close the gap to league leaders Coventry, who sit 11 points clear. Embolo’s experience in a top European league and his proven goal‑scoring record align with the club’s ambition to secure a swift return to the Premier League.
How the competition looks
Hull City have also been linked with Embolo, meaning the player could be “packing his bags” for a move out of Rennes. Stade Rennais manager Franck Haise has openly discussed the need to trim the squad, noting that “we cannot field 29 outfield players”. This admission suggests Rennes may be willing to let the striker leave, but both English clubs will need to act quickly. Atlanta United’s interest adds an overseas twist, yet the Premier League’s allure appears to be the stronger pull for Embolo.
What could happen next?
If Ipswich Town secure Embolo, the club would add a forward with proven Ligue 1 pedigree to a side that already boasts a potent attack. The transfer would likely involve a fee comparable to his original €13 million move, though exact figures remain unconfirmed. Should the deal fall through, Ipswich may turn to other targets, but the Embolo saga highlights the club’s proactive approach in the summer market. Either way, the race for the striker will shape the early transfer window narrative for both promoted clubs.
Key points - Embolo is a priority for Atlanta United but also on the radar of Hull City and Ipswich Town; Rennes is prepared to offload players; Ipswich finished 2nd in the Championship with 84 points, scoring 80 and conceding 47; the club sits 11 points behind league leaders Coventry.
