Rennes target Vitinha, ex-Marseille flop reinvented at Genoa, to bolster attack

Stade Rennais has a “strong interest” in Vitinha, the Portuguese striker from Genoa, according to journalist Orazio Accomando of Sportmediaset. The Breton club is looking to compensate for Breel Embolo’s departure, who was transferred to Atlanta United in MLS, and is targeting an attacking reinforcement before the summer transfer window closes.

Vitinha, 26, made 36 appearances across all competitions with Genoa last season, scoring five goals and providing two assists. Arriving in Serie A in January 2024 on loan from Olympique de Marseille, he was permanently transferred six months later for €8.3 million. He is now tied to the Rossoblu until 2028, with a market value estimated at a similar level to his arrival in Italy.

His return to Ligue 1 would be an unexpected twist. The Portuguese player was signed by Marseille in January 2023 for €32 million from Sporting Braga, before establishing himself as one of the most disappointing transfers in the Phocaean club’s last decade.

At Rennes, his profile as a tireless worker interests the management, who see in him an ideal complement to Esteban Lepaul. Last season’s Ligue 1 top scorer, Lepaul finds himself alone up front since Embolo’s departure and would need a striking partner to approach the season in better shape.

Rennes began the 2024-2025 season with a 2-2 draw against PSG on the first day of Ligue 1, a result that highlighted the Breton club’s attacking shortcomings. Rennes management knows that reinforcement is necessary, and the Vitinha lead, however surprising, is now being taken seriously.