Albert Gronbaek had been linked to City, Lille and Galatasaray in the winter but has now moved to France after continuing to impress with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt
Albert Gronbaek has sealed a switch to Rennes in Ligue 1, moving for a reported €12m (£10m) from Bodo/Glimt. The Dane has caught the eye over the past couple of years with his goals and assists for the Norwegian side, particularly in their European campaigns.
It was reported in Norway ahead of the January window at the start of the year that City, Lille, Galatasaray, and Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC were all keen on a winter move for Gronbaek. It emerged shortly afterwards that City would not be able to do any incoming business unless they sold players.
But Gronbaek was available this summer, and could have been looked at again, with City needing an attacking midfielder following Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s departure. However, he will take the next step in his career at Rennes, who finished 10th in the French top flight last season.
The 23-year-old had continued the impressive form that saw City first linked to him. Gronbaek scored six goals in Europa Conference League last season, while domestically, playing in Norway’s summer league, he had eight goals and two assists in 15 outings.
For City, the search goes on. Matias Soule, the Juventus attacker, remains the man on everyone’s lips, with City embroiled in a transfer battle with Roma. Celtic’s Matt O’Riley is another on their radar.
City were also tentatively linked to Callum O’Hare, a free agent after turning down the chance to stay at Coventry. But he has now signed a deal with Sheffield United.