After a challenging stint at SC Braga, Algerian forward Rafik Guitane is set to return to Estoril, the Portuguese club where he first made his mark.
Loaned to Braga with an option to buy during the summer, Guitane had hoped to cement his place in a competitive side featuring in both the Liga Portugal and the Europa League.
However, the move failed to deliver the breakthrough he had envisioned.
A Struggle for Minutes at Braga
Under the management of Carlos Carvalhal, Guitane found opportunities hard to come by.
Over 16 league matches, he made just four appearances, with only one start, accumulating a mere 98 minutes of play.
His Europa League debut in September, marked by a promising start, ended in disappointment as he was substituted at halftime.
Beyond these brief outings, Guitane frequently found himself relegated to the bench or omitted from the squad altogether.
The lack of playing time led to mounting frustration for the Algerian international, sparking criticism of his decision to join a team where competition for forward positions was fierce.
This was in stark contrast to his impressive 2022-2023 season at Estoril, where he recorded seven goals and four assists in 41 matches.
A Return to Familiar Ground
Acknowledging the impasse, Braga and Estoril reached an agreement to terminate the loan, paving the way for Guitane’s return.
Back at Estoril, the forward has the chance to reignite his season in an environment he knows well.
For Estoril, currently battling to climb the league table, Guitane’s arrival provides a much-needed boost for their attack.
Guitane’s familiarity with the club’s setup and playing style could facilitate a smooth reintegration, allowing him to quickly make an impact.
This move also represents an opportunity for the 25-year-old to rebuild his confidence and stake a claim for regular international duty.
Born in France to an Algerian father and a Moroccan mother, Guitane officially declared for Algeria in early 2024.
However, despite being called up in March, he has yet to make his debut and was not included in subsequent squads.
Now, back at Estoril, Guitane faces a pivotal moment in his career.
This second chance offers an opportunity to rediscover his form, fulfill his potential, and prove his worth both domestically and on the international stage.
