Napoli defender Leo Østigård has completed his transfer to Ligue 1 side Rennes, signing a three-year contract. The 24-year-old arrived in Naples in 2022, but failed to cement a place in the starting XI, making just 43 appearances over two years in all competitions for the Partenopei:
A statement on the clubs official website confirmed the move:
“Leo Østigård, Red and Black defender until 2027
Versatile center-back and Norwegian international, Leo Østigård arrives from Napoli. After wearing the sky blue of the Napoli jersey for two seasons, the Molde-trained player has signed with Stade Rennais F.C. under the blue skies of Brittany. At almost 25 years old, Leo Østigård has already experienced several tactical cultures and playing styles. Trained at Molde FK, he made his professional debut playing 12 Eliteserien matches in the 2017-2018 season: one with his formative club in the first half of the season, and 11 with Viking FK where he was loaned in March 2018. In the summer of 2018, he signed with Brighton & Hove Albion, who loaned him to FC St. Pauli, Coventry City, Stoke City, and Genoa CFC.
A succession of experiences that ultimately gave him confidence and demonstrated his ability to adapt to new locker rooms. In July 2022, Napoli offered him the opportunity to continue his progression in Serie A. After a first season of discovery (11 matches played) during the title-winning year for “I Partenopei,” Leo Østigård established himself in the starting eleven under Rudi Garcia and then Walter Mazzarri.
Known for his commitment and combativeness, he was lined up several times in the Champions League, against Glasgow Rangers, Liverpool, AC Milan, and even Real Madrid, where he distinguished himself as a goalscorer. Tough in duels, with remarkable jumping ability and sense of timing to dominate in the air, the Norwegian defender also presents himself as a threat on offensive set pieces.”
