Arnaud Nordin: Potential Return to AS Saint-Étienne as Stade Rennais Exit Looms

Arnaud Nordin could leave Stade Rennais this winter, with AS Saint-Étienne exploring a potential move to bolster their attack.

The 28-year-old winger faces an uncertain future in Brittany after sliding down the squad hierarchy under manager Franck Haise, MadeInSaint-Etienne reported. Rennes secured Nordin permanently this past summer from Mainz for a reported fee of two million euros, handing him a contract through June 2029, according to Foot01. Yet that long-term agreement has failed to translate into regular minutes on the pitch.

Nordin has earned just one Ligue 1 starting appearance since the current campaign began. Haise has largely overlooked the forward in domestic and European fixtures, leaving him searching for a viable exit route during the upcoming January transfer window.

That lack of playing time recently prompted a demotion to the club’s reserve squad. Benjamin Quarez reported that Nordin featured for the reserve team in a National 2 fixture against Brest, highlighting his current absence from the senior setup, Homme Du Match noted.

Morning Foot recorded his previous senior outings as a 30-minute appearance against Le Mans on August 30, an 18-minute run against Sturm Graz on September 16, and 61 minutes during a 4-0 defeat at Lyon on September 19, Morning Foot detailed.

Rennes Sits Seventh in Ligue 1 Amid Mixed Results

Rennes currently sits seventh in the Ligue 1 table with 16 points from 10 matches, recording five wins, one draw, and four losses. Recent results include a 5-2 defeat to OGC Nice on October 30, which followed a 3-0 victory over RC Strasbourg on October 25 and a 2-1 loss to LOSC, according to Homme Du Match.

Amid these mixed performances, Haise has restructured his squad and sidelined several fringe players. Defender Quentin Merlin also experienced a similar demotion to the reserve team alongside Nordin.

Club officials in Rennes might lean toward a temporary loan during the second half of the season to help Nordin regain sharpness, retaining the option to reintegrate or sell him later, Foot01 reported.

Saint-Étienne Weighs a Familiar Option

An ASSE return presents an intriguing possibility for both the club and the player. Nordin spent his formative years at Saint-Étienne and made 148 competitive appearances for the club before departing for subsequent stints at Montpellier and Mainz.

Football Club noted.

Specialized outlet Peuple Vert initially raised the prospect of a reunion in the Forez region. “Several scenarios remain possible.” “A temporary departure in the form of a loan seems the most coherent solution for all parties,” the media outlet said.

Questions remain over whether Nordin would welcome a move back to a Ligue 2 environment at age 28, or if Rennes will ultimately decide to keep him as squad insurance for a demanding winter schedule. Negotiations between the clubs have not yet formally advanced.

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