Xeka has signed for Rennes as a free agent. The midfielder has signed a two-year deal at Roazhon Park. He had left Lille this summer upon the expiration of his contract.
The Portuguese has made over 200 appearances at club level across Portugal and France. He is well known for scoring the only goal in the 2021 Trophée des Champions.
He has represented the likes of Covilhã, Braga, Lille and Dijon. Furthermore, he has won one cap with the Portugal U20 side.
Les Rennais announced: “In search of a midfielder, Stade Rennais FC has set its sights on the former Lille champion of France in 2021.
“A recovering midfielder, comfortable with both feet, able to project himself, he is also an experienced player on the European level.
“Degemer matte Xeka!”
Olivier Cloarec, Executive Chairman of Rennes said: “He is an experienced 27-year-old midfielder who has proven himself in Lille in particular. I met him in Dijon. He is a versatile player who projects forward. He also has significant European experience which will benefit us this season. The club needed to strengthen following Baptiste’s injury and we are therefore very happy to welcome Xeka to our squad.”
Florian Maurice, Technical Director of Rennes said: “He is a complete midfielder who knows Ligue 1 and was French champion with Lille 2 seasons ago. We are therefore recruiting an excellent player, capable of recovering balls, of projecting himself forward and of scoring goals, with his head or with his foot.
“I also appreciate his personality, his character, his grinta, and his winning spirit. It’s important to have this profile in our squad today, especially after Baptiste’s injury.”
