Casablanca – Moroccan striker Yassir Zabiri is expected to remain at Racing Santander until the end of the 2026-2027 season, with Stade Rennais reportedly unable to terminate his loan during the January transfer window.
Spanish radio network Cadena SER reported on Tuesday that the agreement signed between the two clubs in July does not allow Rennes to recall the 21-year-old before the loan expires.
The reported terms mean Zabiri can continue his season in Spain despite an impressive start that has placed him among La Liga’s leading scorers.
The Moroccan international has scored seven goals in eight league rounds, level with Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, according to the Spanish outlet.
Only Barcelona’s Raphinha has scored more at this stage of the campaign.
Read more: Marca Places Zabiri Alongside Yamal, Mbappe After Racing Santander Form
Many see his performances as a change in fortunes for the young forward, whose opportunities were limited following his arrival in France earlier this year.
Rennes signed him from Portuguese side Famalicão in February for a reported €10 million, following his standout performances at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he helped Morocco secure their first title in the competition and finished among the tournament’s best performers.
However, he struggled to establish himself in the French club’s first team and made just six appearances during the second half of the 2025-2026 season, with only 42 minutes of playing time.
The Santander move in July offered him an opportunity for regular football in La Liga, and the striker has made an immediate impression.
Among his early performances was a hat-trick against Elche in August, followed by a brace against Alavés in September. Those five goals helped establish him as an important attacking option for the newly promoted Spanish side.
While the latest report provides clarity over his immediate future, Santander will not have the option to sign Zabiri permanently under the existing agreement.
Rennes confirmed the absence of a purchase option when it announced his loan on July 30. Zabiri remains under contract with the French club until June 2029.
Cadena SER also reported that the Moroccan forward has a release clause exceeding €20 million, although neither club has independently confirmed that figure.
Zabiri is expected to spend the remainder of the season at Santander, where he can continue his impressive start in La Liga before returning to Rennes in June 2027.
