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 highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in France. The country has witnessed the advent of prodigies like Ayyoub Bouaddi, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Maghnes Akliouche, among others. Ait Boudlal is among the 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 summer. The Ligue 1 club loaned him to Amiens SC earlier this year, and he has turned out nine times for the Ligue 2 outfit. Meanwhile, Ait Boudlal’s progress has not gone unnoticed, alerting high-profile clubs like Liverpool and Newcastle United.
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.