Morocco forward Yasser Zabiri set for Stade Rennes departure

Moroccan striker Yasser Zabiri is reportedly on the verge of leaving French Ligue 1 side Rennes just six months after joining the club, with the highly rated forward expected to continue his development in Spain.

According to reports, the 20-year-old has reached an agreement to join newly promoted La Liga side Racing Santander on a season-long loan deal. The report indicates that only a few final details remain before the transfer is officially completed.

Zabiri’s proposed move comes after a difficult start to life at Rennes, where he has struggled to secure regular playing time since arriving from Portugal. The young forward has found opportunities limited, with his role at the club further affected by a change in the coaching structure.

Former Rennes coach Habib Beye departed during the season and was replaced by Franck Haïss, a change that reportedly contributed to Zabiri’s reduced involvement in the first-team setup. Seeking more consistent minutes and a chance to continue his progress, the Moroccan attacker has decided that a loan move would be the best option for his development.

Foot Mercato reports that Rennes invested €10 million to sign Zabiri from Portuguese side Famalicão last January, handing him a contract that runs until 2029. However, despite the expectations surrounding his arrival, the striker has struggled to make an impact, featuring in only six matches and accumulating just 42 minutes of action.

The lack of playing time has reportedly frustrated the youngster, especially after he enjoyed a remarkable spell on the international stage just months earlier.

Zabiri played a key role in Morocco’s historic success at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where the Atlas Lions lifted the trophy. The striker finished the tournament as the competition’s top scorer after netting five goals, further increasing expectations around his potential.

A move to Racing Santander would provide Zabiri with the opportunity to regain confidence, play regularly and prove himself at a higher level as he looks to revive his momentum and fulfil the promise that made him one of Morocco’s brightest young attacking talents.