A year and a half after his departure from RC Lens for Al-Nassr, Seko Fofana is making his comeback in Ligue 1. This Wednesday, the Ivorian international officially signed a 4 and a half year contract with Stade Rennais. An arrival for 20 million euros which raises many questions: to what level is the former maestro of RC Lens returning after having “sheltered the family” in Saudi Arabia?
A return motivated by reunions…
In Brittany, Fofana finds a familiar face: Arnaud Pouille, former general director of RC Lens, now at the head of Stade Rennais. The latter, as well as sports director Frédéric Massara, played a determining role in the decision to the Ivorian to return to France.
« I am very happy to join Stade Rennais and start 2025 with this new challenge. The discussions with Arnaud Pouille and Frédéric Massara were crucial. They presented me with an ambitious project which convinced me. Stade Rennais is a club that counts in Ligue 1, and I am excited to work with this talented group to turn the tide after a disappointing start to the season », Declared Fofana during his presentation with the current 12th in Ligue 1.
…after a contrasting experience in the Gulf…
Having left in the summer of 2023 for 23 million euros, Seko Fofana hoped to reach a milestone at Al-Nassr. But his exile in the Saudi Pro League was not as brilliant as expected. Then loaned to Al-Ettifaq, the former captain of RC Lens experienced a significant decline in his offensive output. In 48 matches played in Saudi Arabia, he only scored 4 goals and delivered 3 assists, statistics far removed from those displayed in Lens (21 goals and 12 assists in 112 matches).
but beneficial for Rennes?
Despite these figures at half mast, the echoes coming from Saudi Arabia remain generally positive about its level. Note that the Elephant has often played a more defensive role, which partly explains its lack of offensive impact. It was especially the Dutchman Georginio Wijnaldum, with whom he played in the middle, who projected himself forward.
This is how an agent well established in the Saudi market was optimistic in the columns of the Team :
« He is in very good shape. He’s not a star in the Saudi Pro League, but he’s still a very high level player. With Sampaoli, he will have a more offensive role, similar to the one he occupied at Lens. »
Stade Rennais, in difficulty in the standings (12th after 15 days), sees in Fofana a reinforcement capable of solidifying its midfield while providing an offensive dimension. His ability to break the lines, his strength in duels and his natural leadership are eagerly awaited to help the Bretons get back on track.
A necessary, but promising adaptation
In Rennes, the player trained in Manchester City will undoubtedly be used in a more advanced role, like in Lens. This change in environment will require a short period of adaptation, but the player seems up for the challenge. “ Captain Seko “, as he was nicknamed in the North of the Francehas proven in the past that he is capable of establishing himself quickly and getting the best out of his teammates.
With Fofana, Stade Rennais makes a nice move on the transfer market and shows its ambitions for the rest of the season. It remains to be seen whether Seko Fofana will manage to return to the level that made him one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1. One thing is certain: he will be expected around the corner.
