Seko Fofana’s future at Stade Rennais is increasingly uncertain, with the Ivory Coast midfielder now expected to leave the club as his role in Brittany continues to diminish.
The 30-year-old, who recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, has seen his influence at Rennes reduced to sporadic appearances, often from the bench.
Once regarded as a central figure in midfield, Fofana has struggled for regular minutes this season, a situation that has fuelled frustration within his camp and prompted a reassessment of his immediate future.
Sources close to the situation indicate that the player is keen to revive his status as a leader on the pitch.
With his career entering a decisive phase, Fofana is understood to be seeking a project that guarantees consistent playing time and renewed responsibility.
That ambition has led his representatives to intensify discussions on the transfer market.
According to reports from Ouest-France, Rennes are now engaged in advanced talks with two of Portugal’s most prominent clubs, FC Porto and Benfica.
Both sides are said to be exploring the possibility of a loan deal until the end of the season, a move that would allow the midfielder to test himself in a new environment while remaining at the highest level of European football.
The Portuguese option has emerged after alternative routes failed to materialise.
Initial interest from Turkey did not progress, leaving Fofana and his entourage to focus on opportunities that align more closely with his sporting ambitions.
The appeal of Porto and Benfica lies not only in their domestic dominance, but also in their regular presence in European competition, offering a platform suited to a player of Fofana’s experience.
For Rennes, a temporary departure could ease squad management while allowing the club to reassess the midfielder’s long-term future.
For Fofana, the move would represent a significant shift after several seasons in Ligue 1, where he built a reputation as a powerful and influential presence, particularly during his spell at Lens.
As negotiations continue, all signs point towards an imminent exit from Brittany.
While nothing has been finalised, the direction of talks suggests that Fofana’s chapter at Rennes may soon come to an end, opening the door to a fresh challenge on the Iberian Peninsula.
