Hans Hateboer could be making a return to Serie A, as the former Atalanta wing-back is likely to leave Rennes. Several top clubs are interested in bringing him back to Italy, with Sassuolo making the most decisive moves. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the Neroverdi club is leading the race, ahead of Fiorentina and Cagliari. The Emilia-based club views him as an ideal replacement for Toljan and aims to fulfill Fabio Grosso's specific request to include him in the squad. Given that his contract expires in June 2026, Rennes is not expected to demand a high transfer fee. Hateboer, who departed Italy in 2024, is eager to return to Serie A, and Sassuolo is keen to finalize the agreement.

Hans Hateboer, a 31-year-old Dutch defender, is a candidate for Sassuolo's right defense wing. The Italian club is actively seeking to strengthen their squad in the final days of the summer transfer window, following a 0-2 home defeat to Napoli in their Serie A opener. Hateboer, currently with Rennes and formerly of Atalanta, has also attracted renewed interest from Groningen, the club where he began his professional career. His contract with the French club runs until June 2026, and his market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €2.5 million.