Stade Rennais FC is in the market for a new striker and has set its sights on Portuguese forward Vitinha to replace the departed Breel Embolo. According to a report by Foot Mercato this week, the Breton club is seriously considering the profile of the 26-year-old attacker, who currently plays for Genoa in Serie A.
Embolo's move to Atlanta United for a fee over 15 million euros has created an offensive gap in the Stade Rennais FC squad. The 29-year-old Swiss international spent just one season in Brittany before embarking on his MLS adventure. To replace him, the sporting directors are looking at profiles with Ligue 1 experience, and Vitinha has emerged as a serious option.
Why is Vitinha attracting interest from Stade Rennais FC?
Vitinha possesses experience in the French league from a tumultuous spell at Olympique de Marseille. The Provençal club signed him in January 2023 for around 32 million euros, a record fee for OM at the time. His adaptation, however, proved difficult. In 43 appearances for Marseille, he scored only 6 goals across all competitions. Adaptation issues and the pressure of his price tag affected his performances, making his stint a relative failure.
His last season in Italy with Genoa was more productive, with 5 goals and 2 assists in 34 Serie A matches. These numbers show an ability to bounce back. Stade Rennais FC, who can rely on last season's top scorer Esteban Lepaul, is looking to add competition and depth to its attacking department. The team's current form, with S. Szymański already scoring 1 goal in 1 appearance this season, highlights a need for variety in finishing. You can follow the team's offensive output on our stats page.
What is the Portuguese striker's career path?
Born in Portugal, Vitinha made his name at SC Braga before his high-profile move to Marseille. His time in Ligue 1, although challenging, gives him knowledge of the league, a significant asset for a potential quick integration at Stade Rennais FC. Several other Ligue 1 clubs are also monitoring his situation, the report states, although their names are not specified.
The transfer window is closing soon, and a decision will need to be made quickly if Stade Rennais FC wishes to pursue its interest. The player could leave Genoa before the deadline, creating an opportunity the Breton club seems eager to seize.
How would this potential signing fit into the squad?
Vitinha's arrival would offer a different profile to Esteban Lepaul. The Portuguese forward would bring European experience and familiarity with French football. His mental adaptation will be a key point to monitor, given the difficulties he faced in Marseille. The Stade Rennais FC coaching staff would need to create a supportive environment for him to rediscover the form he showed at Braga.
For the player, a return to France represents both a challenge and a chance for redemption after a disappointing first stint. A club like Stade Rennais FC, with its stable project and renowned academy, could be the ideal setting for this revival. Checking the current squad page shows where he could fit in tactically.
The Stade Rennais FC management is working on this dossier among other options as the Ligue 1 season is already underway. The need for goals is constant, and the club must strengthen to meet its sporting objectives. The coming days will be decisive in determining whether Vitinha will eventually wear the red and black shirt.
