Rennes reject Fulham bid for Morocco defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal

Fulham have seen a £20 million offer for Morocco international Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal rejected by French club Rennes, according to reports.

The Premier League side’s bid, worth around €23 million, failed to meet Rennes’ valuation of the 20-year-old centre-back, with the London club now considering whether to return with an improved offer.

Despite maintaining an interest in the defender, Fulham are understood to be exploring alternative options as they look to strengthen their back line ahead of the new season under head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Moroccan defender’s stock continues to rise

Ait Boudlal emerged as one of Rennes’ standout performers during the previous Ligue 1 campaign, making 20 league appearances and scoring twice.

The defender began his development at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Football Academy before joining Rennes in 2024, quickly establishing himself as one of the club’s brightest young prospects.

Although he missed out on Morocco’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his performances earned him a place in the national team’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Rennes determined to keep young star

Rennes view Ait Boudlal as a key figure in their plans for the upcoming campaign and are reluctant to allow him to leave during the current transfer window.

According to reports in France, the club’s hierarchy are prepared to reshape their defensive options around the Moroccan international, with members of the squad expected to depart to create room for the team’s new structure.

Local media have also indicated that Rennes intend to build their first-choice central defensive partnership around summer signing Charlie Cresswell and Ait Boudlal.

Fulham weighing up next move

Fulham have already invested heavily in the transfer market, signing striker Gonzalo Garcia and midfielder Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid in deals worth a combined €50 million.

The club also sanctioned the departure of Moroccan defender Issa Diop to Ipswich Town earlier this summer, increasing the need for reinforcements at the back.

However, with Rennes determined to retain one of Morocco’s most promising young defenders, Fulham may face a difficult task if they hope to bring Ait Boudlal to Craven Cottage before the transfer window closes.