Seko Fofana set for second FC Porto loan spell after Rennes agreement

Seko Fofana is expected to return to FC Porto on loan from Stade Rennais, with the two clubs understood to have reached an agreement in principle over a season-long move.

The Ivory Coast international is due to undergo a medical next week before the transfer can be formally completed. The proposed deal would not include an option for FC Porto to buy the midfielder permanently, according to information from Santi Aouna.

If the move is finalised, Fofana will begin a second spell with the Portuguese club after making a temporary switch there during the most recent winter transfer window. That loan came only a few months after he had joined Stade Rennais and represented his first opportunity to return to Porto following his move to France.

The 29-year-old made a strong impression during his previous time with FC Porto. He appeared in 16 matches in all competitions and scored three goals, performances which have helped convince both clubs to explore another loan agreement during the summer.

Fofana remains under contract with Stade Rennais until June 2029. However, the midfielder could now spend another season with FC Porto, where he would again play on a temporary basis rather than make a permanent transfer.

His current market value is estimated at 8m euros by Transfermarkt. The medical examination planned for next week is expected to be the final significant step before the deal is officially announced.

Fofana earns an annual salary of 4,550,000 euros in France, equivalent to 2,957,500,000 CFA francs.

His potential departure comes shortly before Stade Rennais begin their Ligue 1 campaign against Paris Saint-Germain. The match will be the Breton club’s opening fixture of the French championship and comes as uncertainty remains over whether Fofana will be available to the Rennes squad for the start of the season.

Betting company 1xBet has listed Stade Rennais at odds of 6.80 to win that match. A draw is priced at 5.40, while Paris Saint-Germain are listed at 1.36.

For Fofana, the proposed move would provide a swift return to a club where he was already able to establish himself during the second half of the previous campaign. His contribution of three goals in 16 appearances was enough to encourage a renewed relationship between the player and FC Porto, despite his long-term contractual commitment to Stade Rennais.

The agreement remains subject to the medical and final confirmation. If those stages are completed successfully, Fofana will once again wear the colours of FC Porto for the coming season.