Baptiste Santamaria Joins OGC Nice on Loan from Stade Rennais

OGC Nice has announced the acquisition of midfielder Baptiste Santamaria on a loan deal from fellow Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais. The 29-year-old French player joins Nice for the remainder of the season, with the possibility of a permanent transfer at the end of the loan period.

Santamaria, who made 127 appearances for Rennes since 2021, scoring four goals and providing six assists, found himself sidelined at the Breton club following the arrival of new manager Jorge Sampaoli. The midfielder was recently placed in a group of players deemed surplus to requirements, alongside others like Jota and Glen Kamara.

The former French youth international’s move to Nice offers him a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents. It’s understood that Rennes will continue to cover a portion of Santamaria’s wages during the loan spell. This arrangement allows Nice to bolster their midfield options while potentially securing a long-term addition to their squad if the loan proves successful.

This transfer marks a significant shift for Santamaria, who now has the chance to revitalize his career with Les Aiglons after falling out of favor at Rennes. The deal appears beneficial for all parties involved, providing Nice with an experienced Ligue 1 player and offering Santamaria regular playing time once again.