Moroccan talent Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal attracts interest as Rennes stand firm

Stade Rennais have moved to block any potential transfer for teenage defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal after growing interest from several European clubs.

The 18-year-old Moroccan centre-back, who joined Rennes in 2024 from the Mohammed VI Football Academy, has quickly established himself as a promising figure within the squad.

Despite his age, he has started 11 of his 15 appearances, consistently demonstrating his potential whenever selected.

His rapid progress has not gone unnoticed, with a number of clubs monitoring his development closely.

Among them is Borussia Dortmund, who are reportedly considering defensive reinforcements amid the possible departure of Nico Schlotterbeck.

The Bundesliga side have identified Aït Boudlal as a potential option ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, Rennes are determined to retain their young prospect and are unwilling to sanction a move.

The French club currently value the defender at around €10 million and view him as an important part of their long-term plans.

In a further sign of their commitment, Rennes are considering extending Aït Boudlal’s contract beyond its current terms.

While his existing deal runs until June 2028, discussions are underway to secure his future for an even longer period.

The club’s stance reflects both the player’s growing importance and the level of competition for his signature.

Alongside Borussia Dortmund, several other European teams have also been linked with the defender.

RB Leipzig, Liverpool, Ajax and Monaco are all understood to be keeping a close watch on his situation.

Aït Boudlal’s emergence has been one of the notable developments for Rennes this season, with his performances at the heart of defence highlighting his composure and maturity.

His ability to adapt quickly to senior football has further strengthened his reputation as one of Morocco’s brightest young talents.

With interest continuing to build, Rennes now face the challenge of managing growing external pressure while maintaining stability within their squad.

For the time being, the club remain firm in their position, signalling their intent to keep hold of a player they see as central to their future.