The summer transfer window has delivered one of its biggest surprises: 25-year-old Ivorian international keeper Yahia Fofana is leaving Angers SCO to sign a three-year contract with Rizespor in Turkey. Fofana, crowned African champion with Côte d’Ivoire, takes an unexpected turn as several major clubs were previously interested, including Newcastle and Southampton.
After two standout seasons with Angers—keeping 22 clean sheets in 77 matches—Fofana closes his Ligue 1 chapter, even though Angers had initially hoped for a €10 million transfer fee. Ultimately, the deal is free, as Angers sought to reduce their wage bill, but the club secured a 50% resale clause, reflecting their faith in the player’s future value.
This change of direction is also a win for Rizespor, who gain an experienced young keeper who’s proven himself in high-level European football. The Turkish club hopes Fofana will quickly adapt to the Süper Lig, while Angers can anticipate future profits if the player moves on again.
For Angers supporters, this changing of the guard brings new opportunities. Hervé Koffi, the club’s new goalkeeper, has already shown promise this season, but Fofana’s departure marks a turning point and is emblematic of a summer mercato full of twists and turns.