Stade Rennais FC have identified Japanese goalkeeper Leo Kokubo as a target to strengthen their squad before the summer transfer window closes. According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Breton club wants to sign the Saint-Trond keeper to support Brice Samba, but the deal is complicated by the player's sporting ambitions.
Why does SRFC want a new goalkeeper?
Currently, Brice Samba's backup is the young Kilian Belazzoug. The technical staff believes a more experienced goalkeeper is needed to provide security and competition for the position. Leo Kokubo, with his 38 appearances last season in Belgium, fits this profile. His 2025-2026 season with Saint-Trond was complete, including nine clean sheets. This consistency attracted attention from several clubs, including Stade Rennais. Italian club Parma is also in the race, creating direct competition for the player's signature.
What is the main obstacle to this transfer?
The major problem, according to Sacha Tavolieri's information, is Leo Kokubo's desire. The 25-year-old keeper, who stands at 1.93m, is entering the final year of his contract with Saint-Trond. He categorically refuses the idea of arriving as a backup and demands to be the number one immediately this season. Stade Rennais's initial plan was to offer him that prospect from the 2027-2028 season onwards. Faced with this demand, the deal is progressing with difficulty. Parma is offering him a starting role straight away, making the Italian option much more attractive for the player.
What is the current goalkeeper situation at Stade Rennais FC?
Brice Samba remains the undisputed starting goalkeeper. His performance is a pillar of the team, as shown by the statistics available on our stats page. Managing this position is therefore strategic. The club must find a balance between recruiting a quality backup capable of pushing Samba, and not blocking the development of a youngster like Belazzoug. The current squad, which you can view on our squad page, shows the position is one of the least deep. This search for a second experienced keeper is a logical priority in the final days of the transfer window.
What are SRFC's other options?
If the Kokubo deal proves impossible, the sporting direction will have to turn to other targets quickly. The summer transfer window ends soon, leaving little time for complex negotiations. The objective remains clear: secure the goalkeeper position with a reliable profile. This search comes at the start of a busy season, with a fixtures calendar that demands a complete squad. The Japanese player's final decision, expected in the coming days, will determine the next steps for the Breton club.
