Stade Rennais has announced that it is about to extend the contract of its young Moroccan central defender, AbdelhamidAïtBoudlal, whose current contract expires in June 2028. According to information published by Foot Mercato, the two parties have already agreed on the terms of a new agreement, which should be signed in the coming days. This decision comes as the player, aged 20, was highly coveted by several Premier League clubs, notably Fulham, during the last summer transfer window.
AïtBoudlal trained at the MohammedVI Academy in Morocco before joining Stade Rennais in the summer of 2024. After a phase in the reserve team, he was loaned to Amiens for the second half of the 2024-2025 season, where he played nine matches in Ligue 2. Returning to Rennes, he gradually integrated the first team, making his debut in Ligue 1 against OM in August 2025. His rapid progression led him to obtain the Moroccan selection a few months later and to be named among the candidates for GoldenBoy2026, highlighting his promising potential.
Breton leaders have expressed their desire to retain the player despite tempting offers from English clubs. The club notably rejected several offers from Fulham in order to secure the Moroccan international's place within its squad. This strategy aims to consolidate the team with current generation talent, while preserving the player's value on the market.
The extension of AïtBoudlal is therefore seen as a masterstroke for Stade Rennais, which is seeking to consolidate its core of young talents. The club is preparing to face the challenges of next season by ensuring that one of its best defenders remains under its control. The next steps will be to finalize the contractual details and officially announce the signing, which will mark an important milestone in the Moroccan international's career and in Rennes' recruitment strategy.