Jérémy MOREL

Stade Rennais were looking for an experienced head to marshal the young defence, with a daunting season with lots of matches in prospect, notably with their participation in the Europa League. On 16th July 2019, this left-back or centre-back, who was developed at FC Lorient, signed for Rennes. He had nearly joined the Red and Blacks in June 2011, but did a last-minute u-turn, signing for Marseille instead. Although, he arrived somewhat gingerly at the club, Morel was quickly a first-choice player defence, even becoming the first goalscorer of the season at Montpellier. With Gnagnon struggling at centre-back, and with Maouassa needing a breather at left-back, the Madagascan international made a string of appearances. After 28 matches, he got injured against Brest in February 2020, and would never make it back to the team, as the season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At 36 years of age, he was released by Stade Rennais, and returned to his first club, Lorient. He will still remain in the memory for his part in this historic season for the club, crowned by their first top 3 finish in Ligue 1.