German club Hoffenheim is reportedly on the verge of securing a permanent transfer for Rennes central defender Leo Østigård, aged 25. The Norwegian international was initially brought to Rennes from Napoli last year in a €7 million deal. Although Østigård was expected to fill the void left by Belgian international Arthur Theate, he struggled to make a significant impact and, within six months, was loaned to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim with an option to buy.
Despite not activating the initial buy option for Østigård, Hoffenheim has maintained strong interest in the player. Østigård did not participate in Rennes` preseason preparations, signaling his imminent departure this summer. While a preliminary agreement between Rennes and TSG Hoffenheim is said to be in place, the Bundesliga club is reportedly waiting for the departure of one of their current central defenders, likely Stanley Nsoki, before finalizing the deal for Østigård.
