Bafana Bafana striker Kermit Erasmus released by French club Rennes

South African striker Kermit Erasmus has been released by French club Stade Rennes, announced the club on Thursday.

Arrived in Rennes in the 2016 transfer window, the 27-year-old forward made only 13 appearances in the red and black jersey; he never scored a goal.

Last season, the South African enjoyed a spell with Ligue 2 side RC Lens, scoring once in 12 games.

Contract terminated

With only one goal to his name during his three years in France, Erasmus now becomes a free agent.

'The Rennes F.C. and Kermit Erasmus Stadium have earlier terminated the contract that linked them since January 2016,' Stade Rennes tweeted about his exit.

'The player is therefore free from any commitment. The Red & Black wish him a full success and a lot of happiness for the rest of his career.'

However, his moving possibilities are very limited, since FIFA rules estipulate that a player can’t move to a Ligue whose transfer window was closed before the player became a free agent.

This means that Erasmus may still play in countries such as Turkey or Sweden, whose transfer windows are still open, but may not return to South Africa or any other country who saw their window closed on January.

The striker could have to wait until June to sign for another squad.

According to BBC Sport, the South African has received offers from South African and European clubs.

Since making his international debut in 2010, Erasmus has won 14 caps for the South Africa national football team, scoring twice.