Leeds United confirm Kamara transfer exit after offer they couldn’t turn down

Just 320 days after arriving from Rangers, Glen Kamara has departed Leeds United for France. Mid-table Ligue 1 outfit Rennes have stumped up a seven-figure fee to take the Finland international to Brittany.

There were still three years to run on the contract the 28-year-old signed last August, but, despite being one of Daniel Farke’s regular starters, Kamara had his head turned last week. The midfielder departs with 42 appearances, level with the likes of Ian Rush and Steve Morison.

Elland Road sources have suggested the club will virtually double their money on the fee they paid for Kamara last summer. Reports on the continent have pitched the fee between £8.5m and £9m, which United did not feel they could reject.

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A club statement said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Glen for his efforts both on and off the pitch while representing Leeds United and we wish him well for the future.”

Kamara played an important part in the club’s run to 90 points and the Championship play-off final, notably in the trip to Leicester City and home game with Ipswich Town. However, his game-wrecking and possession-protecting abilities were overshadowed by a lack of goals from the engine room.

Farke will hope they can put that right next season and added Joe Rothwell on loan last week. It remains to be seen if the Whites will add another central midfielder to their ranks after Kamara’s exit, especially given Jamie Shackleton, Archie Gray, Sam Greenwood and Darko Gyabi will not be available next term.