Seko Fofana joins Rennes in €20m deal from Al Nassr

Ivorian international Seko Fofana has made his return to Ligue 1, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with Rennes after 18 months in Saudi Arabia. 

The 29-year-old midfielder, with 22 caps for Ivory Coast, joins the French side in a deal valued at €20 million ($20.8 million), the club confirmed on Wednesday.

Fofana previously captained Lens, where he played a key role in leading the team to their first Champions League qualification in 21 years.

However, after a high-profile move to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the summer of 2023, his form waned. Struggling to find his footing in Saudi Arabia, both at Al Nassr and during a loan spell at Al Ettifaq, Fofana has now opted for a fresh start back in European football.

Rennes will be hoping Fofana’s return to familiar territory revitalizes his career and bolsters their midfield strength for the remainder of the season.

Rennes are struggling in 12th place in Ligue 1,  just four points above the relegation, zone and moved for Fofana who had worked with the Brittany club’s executive president Arnaud Pouille at Lens.

“There are talented players at Rennes and I think that the club is not in its rightful place,” said Fofana.

“It’s a team that I have often played against, it counts in this championship. I can’t wait to start.”