Westerlo cashes in as Reynolds heads to Rennes for €4.5m

Westerlo will profit from the departure of 24‑year‑old American right‑back Bryan Reynolds as Stade Rennais finalises a €4.5 million transfer, while the defender prepares for his last training session with the Kemphanen and a forthcoming medical ahead of a four‑year contract in France. The agreement follows an earlier €3.8 million offer and exceeds the €3.33 million Westerlo paid for him in 2023.

Born on 28 June 2001 in Fort Worth, Texas, Bryan Reynolds broke through at FC Dallas in the MLS. In 2021 he moved to Italian side AS Roma for an estimated €6.8 million, a fee that reflected his rising profile.

Reynolds struggled for regular minutes at Roma and was subsequently loaned to KV Kortrijk and then to KVC Westerlo. Westerlo secured his services permanently in the summer of 2023 for €3.33 million.

At Westerlo he emerged as one of the Jupiler Pro League’s top offensive right‑backs, noted for speed, physical presence and attacking impulses. He featured in nearly every league match and amassed a notable number of assists for a defender.

Reynolds has earned multiple caps for the United States national team. He remains regarded as a player with significant growth potential.

Transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that Stade Rennais initially placed a €3.8 million bid before reaching a €4.5 million agreement, bonuses included. Reynolds will undergo his medical in the coming days and sign a four‑year contract with the French club.

Earlier, a €2.5 million offer from Rangers FC was rejected, while clubs such as Hoffenheim, FC Basel and Sassuolo were also linked to the defender. With his contract entering the final year, Transfermarkt values him at roughly €3.5 million, whereas Westerlo had previously targeted around €6 million.