Seko Fofana is set to return to FC Porto on loan from Stade Rennais after the two clubs reached an agreement in principle over a season-long move.
The Ivory Coast international is expected to undergo a medical examination next week before the transfer can be completed.
According to information from Santi Aouna, the proposed agreement will not give Porto an option to sign the midfielder permanently at the end of the loan.
The move would see Fofana return to a club where he spent the second half of the previous season and made a strong impression during his first spell in Portugal.
The 29-year-old joined Porto on loan during the most recent winter transfer window, only a few months after signing for Stade Rennais.
Fofana made 16 appearances in all competitions during his temporary spell with the Portuguese club and scored three goals.
His performances were enough to convince Porto and Rennes to explore another loan agreement, giving the midfielder the opportunity to spend another season at the club.
Fofana remains contracted to Stade Rennais until June 2029, meaning the proposed move would once again be temporary rather than a permanent departure from the French side.
The midfielder’s return to Porto would also allow him to continue working in an environment where he has already demonstrated his ability to contribute.
His current market value is estimated at €8m by Transfermarkt, while his annual salary at Rennes is reported to be €4.55m, equivalent to 2.9575bn CFA francs.
The medical examination next week is expected to be the final major step before the transfer is formally confirmed.
Fofana’s potential departure comes as Rennes prepare to begin their Ligue 1 campaign against Paris Saint-Germain.
The midfielder’s availability for that fixture remains uncertain as negotiations over his return to Porto progress.
Rennes face a difficult opening match against the French champions, with the Breton club entering the game as underdogs.
For Fofana, however, attention is increasingly focused on his return to Portugal.
His previous spell at Porto provided him with an opportunity to regain regular football after his move to Rennes, and he responded with three goals in 16 appearances.
That contribution has now paved the way for a second temporary move.
Porto will hope Fofana can reproduce the form he showed during the previous campaign and provide additional experience and quality to their midfield.
