Rodez Aveyron Football confirmed the signing of forward Marco Essimi on Wednesday, September 2, a move completed after the official closure of the summer transfer window. The Ligue 2 club, currently fourth in the standings with seven points, has bolstered its attack with the 27-year-old player arriving from Portugal.
Marco Essimi commits to the RAF for three seasons. The versatile winger, capable of playing across the front line, joins from Portuguese side Alverca, which he had only joined in June. Prior to his brief spell in Portugal, he played in Ligue 2 for Dunkerque. President Pierre-Olivier Murat and his staff acted swiftly to offset the departure of Ibrahima Baldé, who left for Lorient at the very end of the transfer window on Tuesday evening.
Why was this signing necessary?
The departure of Ibrahima Baldé to Ligue 1 created a gap in Rodez's attack. The club had anticipated this loss by announcing the arrival of Kélian Nsona on Tuesday evening, presented as Baldé's direct replacement. The signing of Marco Essimi, reported by Centre Presse Aveyron, adds further depth and versatility to the squad. The RAF aims to maintain its strong start to the season, having scored ten goals and conceded just seven after four matchdays.
Essimi's profile matches the needs of Laurent Peyrelade's team. The player brings drive and a clear dribbling ability, qualities that could prove useful in fast attacking transitions. His experience in the French second division, gained at Dunkerque, is an additional asset for a quick integration.
What is Marco Essimi's profile?
Aged 27, Marco Essimi is described by his new club as a "versatile offensive player." The RAF welcomed his arrival via an official tweet on Wednesday morning. The Rodez Aveyron Football account (@OfficielRAF) stated: "À 27 ans, Marco Essimi rejoint le Rodez Aveyron Football."
His recent career shows a player seeking stability after a short spell in Portugal. His three-season contract offers the prospect of a medium-term project at the Stade Paul-Lignon. He joins a team that sits five points behind leaders Saint-Étienne, a gap the club hopes to close in the coming weeks.
How did Rodez's transfer window end?
The transfer period has been busy for the Aveyron club. Beyond the official departures and arrivals, another matter may have been settled behind the scenes. According to a report from Parisien, the contract termination of Mehdi Baaloudj may have been finalized right at the end of the window. The club has not confirmed this, leaving some uncertainty about the exact squad composition.
These movements come as Rodez shows clear ambitions in Ligue 2. Their current fourth place in the standings demonstrates a positive start they need to build upon. Managing the transfer window, with departures offset by targeted arrivals, aims to preserve the squad's balance for the rest of the campaign.
What is Rodez's immediate schedule?
The team must quickly integrate its new players before an important away fixture. The next match is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, against FC Metz, currently seventh in the table. This away game will be a first test for the new signings in the always-challenging atmosphere of the Stade Saint-Symphorien.
Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. The challenge will be to maintain the attacking dynamism that has seen the RAF score ten goals in four matches, while strengthening defensive solidity. Marco Essimi's three-year contract begins with this key phase of the season.
