Jocelyn Janneh is on the cusp of leaving Sporting Club de Bastia to join Rapid Vienna, with all parties having agreed a transfer ahead of the new season.
The 22‑year‑old midfielder has committed to a three‑year deal with the Austrian club, including an option for extension, after being persuaded by Rapid Vienna’s sporting vision.
This move marks a significant step forward in Janneh’s career following a breakout year in France’s Ligue 2.
Janneh established himself as a key figure in Bastia’s midfield throughout the 2024–25 campaign, earning praise for his consistency, composure, and tactical maturity.
He featured in 24 league matches and provided one assist, registering a series of solid performances that did not go unnoticed across Europe.
Interest in the Sierra Leonean grew rapidly following his strong displays, but it was Rapid Vienna who ultimately secured his signature, reportedly offering a fee in excess of €2 million.
In addition to a more lucrative salary than he earned at Bastia, the move promises a fresh challenge in Austria’s top tier and a platform for further development.
An insider close to Janneh underscored the speed of negotiations: “He had a remarkable season with Bastia. Jocelyn has made impressive progress.
There were numerous requests, but only Rapid Vienna presented a serious project, accepted by both the player and us. It’s surprising that everything came together so quickly.
He went through some difficult times at Bastia, but he’s ready for this new chapter, and the club is also willing to let him go.”
Janneh’s journey to this point spans multiple leagues and countries. The Freetown-born midfielder previously had spells in Morocco and Turkey before arriving in France, where he continued to grow and refine his all-round game.
Now, with his transfer on the near horizon, he is poised to make his Austrian Bundesliga debut after wrapping up his vacation and preparing for the move.
Valued at approximately €1.5 million on Transfermarkt, Janneh’s rising stock reflects his upward trajectory.
At Rapid Vienna, he will join a club with both historical prestige and ambition, where his role in midfield will be scrutinised as he integrates into a new tactical setup and competitive environment.
This transition marks a turning point for Janneh, who has navigated challenges and uncertainties along the way. At Bastia, he overcame periods of difficulty to emerge as a trusted performer in Jean-Louis Leca’s midfield structure.
His composure on the ball, ability to break lines, and positional intelligence earned him recognition and has now paved the way for this move.
Rapid Vienna’s approach in recruiting Janneh aligns with a growing trend among Austrian clubs to identify and invest in young talent from diverse backgrounds.
By securing a prospect with Janneh’s profile, they aim to strengthen their midfield options while laying down a marker for sustainable roster development.
For Bastia, the transfer represents a valuable influx of funds from an academy product they helped nurture. While losing a key player always brings adjustment, the club’s willingness to facilitate the transfer underlines their belief in Janneh’s potential and the mutual benefits of the deal.
Looking ahead, Janneh will focus on acclimatising to his new surroundings, adjusting to Rapid Vienna’s training routines, and bonding with teammates before the new season gets under way.
With fresh challenges ahead in Austrian football—including possible European qualification—he has every chance to build on his upward momentum.
By committing to a long‑term contract and embracing a new cultural and footballing context, Janneh is writing the next chapter of his career.
His move to Rapid Vienna suggests both ambition and readiness, and if he continues the progression he showed in Ligue 2, he may soon become one of Austria’s most exciting midfield prospects.
