"I haven't had much time to discuss this with Florian (Maurice, the technical director), but I know that the discussions are progressing well and that we should, at the start of the week surely, have the finish of a new player.
Asked this Saturday at a press conference about the recruitment of a midfield joker, Rennes coach Bruno Genesio confirmed the progress of the discussions without revealing the identity of the player who could replace Baptiste Santamaria.
The latter seriously injured his ankle against Auxerre last week.
He will miss between 4 and 6 months of competition, which prompted Rennes to scan the market in search of a new element.
According to our information, the lucky winner is called Xeka.
The Portuguese has been free of any contract since leaving Lille at the end of last season.
Already offered to Rennes during the summer, the 27-year-old had not been an option chosen by the Breton club, which has reviewed its position in recent days by reactivating contact.
Xeka spoke to Bruno Genesio in the middle of the week and an agreement has been reached in recent hours on the basis of a two-year contract.
Xeka is currently settling the final details of his visit to the banks of the Vilaine.
Passed by Dijon during the 2017-2018 season, he has for him to know the French championship well which he won with Lille during the 2020-2021 season.
His arrival was a priority for the Breton club which, since the injury of Santamaria, finds itself diminished in front of the defense.
Young Lesley Ugochukwu (18) started Thursday against Fenerbahçe.
