Djaoui Cissé, the 22-year-old Franco-Malian midfielder from Stade Rennais, is at the center of a potentially explosive summer transfer window. Frustrated by limited playing time under Franck Haise, he is seriously considering a move to a club where he can secure a starting role, with Bayer Leverkusen leading the race thanks to a €20 million offer.
Born in Juvisy-sur-Orge and developed at Rennes from the age of 17, Cissé broke into professional football in 2021 under Habib Beye, making 65 appearances and shining as a versatile box-to-box midfielder in Ligue 1. Despite featuring 22 times this season (959 minutes), he has been mostly confined to the bench since Haise’s arrival in February 2026, without a single start in the last eight matches—something that has frustrated his entourage, who are keen for him to move on ahead of the U21 European Championship.
Bayer Leverkusen, currently fifth in the Bundesliga, are pushing hardest with a concrete offer, attracted by his work rate and the presence of former Rennes players like Martin Terrier and Loïc Badé. However, competition is heating up: in England, West Ham United, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Arsenal FC and Newcastle United are preparing bids. In Italy and Germany, Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring the situation closely, with his market value estimated between €15m and €20m.
Under contract until 2030, Rennes are sticking to their strategy of maximizing the value of young talents. A €20 million deal would represent a major return in line with their development model. Without guarantees of regular playing time, a departure now seems inevitable—and all of Europe is watching closely to see where this fast-rising talent will land.