Theate, 22, who came up at Flemish club KRC Genk and then Walloon club Standard Liege, took his first steps in the professional game at Ostend, where he played 35 games and scored five goals. A starter in the Jupiler Pro League during the 2020-21 season, his "physical impact and ease on the ball" enabled him to become a revelation in the Belgian league, according to Stade Rennais FC.

Constant progress

Theate was then spotted by Bologna, where he quickly made his mark, playing 31 games for the Greyhounds. According to the Brittany club, Theate is a left-footer whose "potential has been confirmed from season to season". The new Rennes recruit "intend[s] to shine in the Red and Black to once again catch the eye of the Belgium coach with a view to the next World Cup".

His arrival completes the trio of Rennes central defenders alongside with Loïc Badé, who arrived from RC Lens last summer, and youngster Warmed Omari, whose revelation  season last term was ended prematurely by injury.

About the new Belgian defender, Rennes technical director Florian Maurice said: "He is a player who commits himself a lot. He likes to defend and he likes challenges. He has a natural aggressiveness and an incredible energy".

Maurice has no doubts that Theate, who will be reunited with compatriot Jérémy Doku in the Rennes locker room, will integrate very quickly and make his mark in Bruno Genesio's side - and perhaps lock down a place in the Belgium squad for this year's FIFA World Cup.

>> TRANSFERS: All the summer moves

(Photo credit: SRFC)