Thibaut Simon, Media365, published on Saturday December 28, 2024 at 9:36 a.m.
According to information from L'Équipe, Stade Rennais is on the Seko Fofana file. The former Racing Club de Lens player, who plays in Saudi Arabia, could make a notable return to Ligue 1.
Seko Fofana wearing the Stade Rennais jersey? The Breton club's project is perhaps the nice surprise on the way. According to the daily The TeamRennes accelerates to offer the 29-year-old Ivorian midfielder during the winter transfer window. After three seasons with the Sang et Or, Seko Fofana gave in to the lure of Saudi Arabia, despite offers from Juventus Turin and Tottenham. With a complete profile and solid experience – Fofana played 112 matches in all competitions (21 goals and 11 assists) with Lens in three seasons – it is on the side of Al-Nassr that the Ivorian international has packed his bags in 2023. An arrival for 23 million euros in the club of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. A mixed season and a loan to the Al-Ettifaq club, where we find two former Lyon players, Karl Toko Ekambi and Moussa Dembélé as well as the former Parisian Georginio Wijnaldum.
A file that is progressing well
12th in Ligue 1 and in a season marked by the departure of Julien Stéphan, Rennes is trying to get back on track. The Breton club qualified for the Coupe de France at the expense of Bordeaux and remains on a victory in the championship against Angers. But how to bring Seko Fofana, winner of the CAN with the Elephants in 2024? The answer is called Arnaud Pouille. General manager of the Racing Club de Lens, the now president of Stade Rennais has maintained a link with Seko Fofana since his time in the North. Along with the sports director, Frederic Massarathe duo wants to pull off the big winter hit. Seko Fofana was presented with the Rennes project and the club's long-term European ambitions, despite a catastrophic start to the season. An idea that appeals to the former Lorient player.
Sampaoli wants Fofana
The Rennes management can rely on the new arrival on the bench: Jorge Sampaoli. The Argentine coach validated the Seko Fofana track, which he already wanted to bring during his visit to Marseille (February 2021 – July 2022). The presence of Sampaoli is the element that could change everything in the Fofana file. A major reinforcement in the Rennes midfield. But to convince Al-Nassr, you will have to hang on. An amount of around 20 million euros is mentioned and a long-term contract of around four years. Another Saudi club would be on the move, but Stade Rennais hopes to quickly finalize the arrival of Fofana in Brittany.
