"By mutual agreement, Stade Rennais F.C. and Jorge Sampaoli, who was coach of the professional team, are ending their collaboration," said the club in a statement on their website.

"Stade Rennais F.C. are grateful for his commitment and respectful of his remarkable professional experience, and wish Jorge Sampaoli every success in his future career."

Minutes after announcing the departure of the former Argentina national team coach, Rennes published a second statement, saying Beye would take over with immediate effect.

"Habib Beye joins Stade Rennais F.C. until the end of the season, with predefined terms for a one-season extension. He will take charge of training on Friday, with his first task being to recreate a positive sporting dynamic."

The 47-year-old Beye played for Premier League clubs Newcastle and Aston Villa, as well as French side Marseille.

He was most recently coach of Red Star, successfully guiding the Parisian club to promotion to the French second division before stepping down.

His predecessor at Rennes arrived in November 2024 but failed to revive the club, who lounge in 16th place in Ligue 1 -- the relegation play-off spot.

Sampaoli, 64, managed his native Argentina at the 2018 World Cup having previously led Chile to the Copa America title three years earlier.

He left the dug-out at Marseille in July 2022, walking out shortly after leading them to second place in Ligue 1 due to disagreements about transfer strategy.