Newcastle United and Everton are interested in signing 20-year-old Moroccan international Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal from Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Brentford and Hull City are also keen on signing Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal. The 20-year-old Stade Rennais centre-back was also a target for Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window, but the Ligue 1 club rebufed the prospective suitors, including rejecting a bid worth €30 million from Fulham.
Per TEAMtalk, Newcastle United, in particular, are closely monitoring Ait Boudlal’s progress as they “consider their options at centre-back” ahead of the two transfer windows next year. The report adds that they will face stiff competition from clubs in Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Who is Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal?
Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is the latest prodigy to rise in prominence in France. The country has witnessed the rise of promising prospects like Ayyoub Bouaddi and Eliesse Ben Seghir, among others. Ait Boudlal is among the young defenders to make their mark in Ligue 1.
A native of Marrakech, the Moroccan defensive sensation spent his formative years in his homeland before moving to France by joining Stade Rennais last year. The Ligue 1 club loaned him to Amiens SC for the second half of the 2024/25 season, and he finally enjoyed his Rennes breakthrough last season. The 20-year-old has made 25 appearances for the club thus far while chipping in with two goals and one assist. Meanwhile, his progress has alerted several well-known clubs.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Everton’s interest in Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is understandable. The Toffees have started planning for life after James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, with the two experienced English defenders approaching the twilight of their careers. So, Everton must pursue a centre-back who can be Jarrad Branthwaite’s long-term central defensive partner.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies hold a long-standing interest in the youngster. The continued interest makes sense, as Sven Botman has struggled with fitness issues during his stint with the Tyneside outfit. In addition, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the end of their careers. So, Ait Boudlal is a viable target due to his age profile and physicality.
However, while the Moroccan defender is a viable target for Premier League clubs, Stade Rennais’ stance will hold the key to determining the possibility of a deal after the Ligue 1 club thwarted his suitors and rejected a bid in the summer.
