Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal’s future at Stade Rennais remains uncertain, with negotiations over a contract extension yet to make significant progress.
The 20-year-old Morocco international is under contract until 2028, but talks over improved terms are reportedly far from reaching an agreement, according to Sacha Tavolieri. That follows earlier reports suggesting a renewal was close to being completed.
Ait Boudlal started the season in central defence alongside Charlie Cresswell. However, he has struggled to reproduce the impressive form he showed last season.
His inconsistent performances have drawn criticism from Stade Rennais manager Franck Haise, while Anthony Rouault has subsequently been given more opportunities in the team.
The defender’s reduced involvement could make negotiations more difficult, although Stade Rennais remain under no immediate pressure to reach an agreement because of the length of his current contract.
Ait Boudlal also attracted strong interest from Fulham during the summer transfer window. The Premier League club reportedly made two offers for the defender.
Fulham’s second bid was worth €35 million, but Stade Rennais valued Ait Boudlal at €40 million.