Rennes flop catches Barça's eye: Yassir Zabiri in view
After six difficult months in Ligue 1, Stade Rennais Mercato sent the 21‑year‑old striker Yassir Zabiri on loan to Racing Santander, while FC Barcelona is watching him closely for the transfer window.
A loan that bears fruit
The young Moroccan currently plays in the colours of Racing Santander. Following a first, troubled experience at Stade Rennais, he has regained his full effectiveness in Spain. He has scored eight goals in ten matches, encouraging statistics that place him among the players to watch this season. These performances have not escaped the recruiters of FC Barcelona.
Barça, always on the lookout for young talents to strengthen its attacking department, sees Zabiri as an interesting prospect for the future. His age, his efficiency in front of goal and his adaptation to Spanish football constitute appealing arguments for the Catalan executives. According to Fichajes, Deco, the club’s sporting director, is closely monitoring the young striker’s performances. Yassir Zabiri’s name is already circulating in the offices of FC Barcelona.
A rising value
Recruited from Famalicão for around €10 million, Zabiri had not immediately met expectations in Brittany. The loan to Racing Santander was intended to give him playing time and rebuild confidence. The gamble now appears to be bearing fruit. If the striker maintains his pace, his market value could reach around €20 million, double his purchase price. For Stade Rennais, such an evolution is excellent news. The Breton club retains contractual control of the case and could benefit directly from the player’s progression if interest from big clubs materialises.
Obstacles for Barça
However, several obstacles could complicate a potential Barça deal. Zabiri is on loan at Racing Santander until 30 June 2027, without a purchase option. His contract with Stade Rennais runs until 2029, giving the Breton club a significant lever in negotiations. Racing benefits from his services until the loan ends, while SRFC remains the owner of his rights. Moreover, the striker’s release clause would exceed €20 million, a substantial sum even for FC Barcelona, which must contend with its financial constraints. To date, no official negotiation has been confirmed. According to the Twitter account of Fichajes.net, Barça already knows his price and is interested in Zabiri. If Zabiri continues his momentum, his name could keep resurfacing insistently during the next transfer windows.