Premier League clubs Liverpool and Newcastle United are leading the race to sign Moroccan youngster Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal from Stade Rennes.
The promising centre back has been a revelation during his loan spell at Amiens.
Following his impressive loan spells, both Newcastle United and Liverpool have joined the race for the services of the youngster.
French clubs OGC Nice and Lille are also monitoring him closely, with two top-half La Liga teams joining the chase.
Aït Boudlal joined Rennes from Morocco’s Mohammed VI Academy in July 2024. He spent the first half of the 2024–25 season playing for Rennes II in Championnat National 3 before moving to Amiens on loan in February.
Despite joining mid-season, Aït Boudlal quickly became a regular starter for Amiens, making nine league appearances – eight as a starter – and registering one assist in a 3–2 win over Guingamp. His physical presence, composure, and sharp positioning have been widely praised.
Aït Boudlal captained Morocco at the U-17 level, leading them to runners-up finishes in the 2022 Arab Cup and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
He scored in the U-17 AFCON final and earned a place in the Team of the Tournament. He also represented Morocco at the 2023 U17 World Cup.
In October 2023, The Guardian named him among the 60 best young footballers in the world born in 2006.
Still under contract with Rennes until 2028, Aït Boudlal faces a crucial summer.
