Rabat – Fulham have not abandoned their pursuit of Moroccan defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, with the Premier League club continuing negotiations with Stade Rennais over a potential transfer, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
According to Foot Mercato, the London-based club submitted an initial offer for the 20-year-old center-back, but Rennes rejected the proposal. Despite the setback, Fulham remain interested in the Moroccan international and are expected to continue discussions with the Ligue 1 side in an effort to find an agreement.
Fulham are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the 2026-27 season, and Ait Boudlal has emerged as one of the young defenders on their shortlist. The club’s continued interest suggests that the Moroccan remains a priority target despite Rennes’ initial refusal to accept their offer.
Ait Boudlal open to Premier League move
Ait Boudlal is reportedly interested in the possibility of moving to England, with the prospect of playing in the Premier League understood to be attractive to the young defender.
A move to Fulham would represent an important step in the defender’s career and would give him the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. The Moroccan has already gained valuable experience in France and could now be ready for a new challenge abroad.
The 20-year-old made 21 appearances for Rennes last season, underlining his growing importance within the squad. His performances have helped establish him as a promising defensive prospect and have attracted attention from clubs outside France.
His age is also likely to make him an appealing option for Fulham, who can view the defender as both a player capable of contributing immediately and a long-term investment.
Fulham considers other defensive options
While Fulham continue to work on a possible deal for Ait Boudlal, the Premier League side are also exploring alternative defensive targets.
The Cottagers have reportedly submitted an offer for Brazilian defender Natan, who plays for Real Betis. The Brazilian center-back is another option being considered as Fulham assess different ways of strengthening their back line before the new season.
Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi has also reportedly been offered to Fulham by his agency, Unique Sports. The Argentine center-back has considerable experience at the highest level and represents a different profile from the younger Ait Boudlal.
Fulham’s interest in several defenders highlights their determination to reinforce the position during the summer transfer window. However, their continued negotiations with Rennes indicate that Ait Boudlal remains firmly on their radar.
Rennes faces decision over Moroccan defender
For Rennes, the situation could lead to an important decision regarding one of their young defensive talents. The French club rejected Fulham’s initial proposal, but continued negotiations could eventually result in a revised offer.
Rennes will have to weigh the financial benefits of a potential transfer against the sporting value of retaining Ait Boudlal. Having made 21 appearances last season, the defender has already demonstrated that he can compete for a place in the first team.
Fulham, meanwhile, could be expected to improve their proposal if they want to convince Rennes to negotiate seriously. The outcome may depend on the gap between the two clubs’ valuations of the player.
Morocco’s international on the radar
Ait Boudlal’s growing profile also reflects the increasing number of Moroccan players attracting interest from European clubs. Morocco’s strong performances on the international stage have helped raise the visibility of its young talents, while several players from the country’s national-team setup continue to attract attention in Europe’s major leagues.
For Ait Boudlal, a move to the Premier League would provide another opportunity to develop his career at a high level. At just 20, the defender still has considerable room for growth, while regular exposure to English football could further accelerate his development.
Fulham’s interest therefore represents more than just a short-term defensive solution. The club could see Ait Boudlal as a player capable of developing into an important part of its defensive structure in the coming seasons.
Decisive days ahead
Despite having their initial offer rejected, Fulham have not walked away from the negotiations. The Premier League club’s continued efforts suggest that discussions with Rennes remain active as the transfer window progresses.
The coming days could prove decisive for Ait Boudlal’s future. If Fulham and Rennes can reach an agreement on the transfer fee and other terms, the Moroccan defender could make the move to England and begin a new chapter in his career.
For now, however, Ait Boudlal remains a Rennes player, with Fulham continuing to work behind the scenes to determine whether a deal can be completed.
With the London club also considering Natan and Balerdi, Fulham have alternatives available. Nevertheless, their persistence in pursuing Ait Boudlal indicates that the Moroccan remains one of the defensive options they are most interested in securing ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
