Ivorian international Seko Fofana has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Rennes, the Ligue 1 club announced Wednesday, after 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia.
A statement on the club’s official website announced: “Seko Fofana, the experienced 29-year-old Ivorian international midfielder, signed a four-and-a-half season contract with Stade Rennais F.C. on Wednesday 1 January.”
The statement continued: “Eager to return to the French game where he excelled, Seko Fofana has given his preference to Stade Rennais F.C. with the ambition of once again playing in the top flight.”
Fofana, who became Rennes first signing this summer, trained at Paris FC, FC Lorient and Manchester City, the Parisian by birth first cut his teeth as a professional footballer with Fulham in the Championship and Bastia, where he discovered the French league.
In 2016, Udinese Calcio snapped up the solid and versatile midfielder. In the north of Italy, he not only performed well but was also very consistent, exceeding the 30-game mark in each of his four seasons with Friuli (13 goals, 12 assists).
A successful spell in the French capital attracted the attention of a number of clubs, and in 2020 RC Lens decided to make the biggest transfer in their history. Once again, in northern France this time, Seko showed off his talent.
He played a big part in the Artésiens’ exceptional season in 2022-2023, which ended just one point behind champions Paris. After making a name for himself in France, the Côte d’Ivoire international took on a new challenge in the summer of 2023, joining Saudi club Al-Nassr FC before being loaned out to Al-Ettifaq six months later.
At the same time, he played an active role in the Elephants’ triumphant campaign at the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
