Stade Rennais set to extend Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal’s contract

Stade Rennais have agreed a deal to extend Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal’s contract, despite the Morocco defender’s difficult start to the season and criticism from manager Franck Haise and sporting director Loic Desire.

The 20-year-old centre-back is currently under contract with the club until June 2028, but Foot Mercato reports that an agreement has been reached to keep him in Brittany for longer.

Ait Boudlal has found opportunities limited since the campaign began. The former Academie Mohammed VI player has made four appearances, totalling 280 minutes, and has yet to establish himself as a regular member of the Stade Rennais team.

His performances have drawn criticism from both Haise and Desire, who have also questioned his concentration amid the attention surrounding the transfer market. Those concerns have contributed to his restricted role in the squad.

However, the club’s decision to pursue a new contract indicates that it continues to believe in his long-term potential. Stade Rennais are prepared to remain patient with the young defender and support his development despite the problems he has faced during the opening weeks of the season.

Rennes maintain faith in Morocco international

The proposed extension reflects the Rennes hierarchy’s intention to invest in Ait Boudlal’s progress rather than allow a challenging start to alter its plans for him.

The defender must now respond to the demands of the coaching staff and improve his consistency if he is to secure a permanent place in the team. His limited playing time so far has not changed the club’s view that he can become an important player.

Stade Rennais will soon play their 2nd matchday fixture in the Ligue Europa against OFI Crete.