Stade Rennais stands firm on 28 M€ offer, market may tilt
In a firm stance at the Stade Rennais training ground in Bretagne, the club rejected Fulham's opening 28 M€ bid for 20‑year‑old Moroccan centre‑back Abdelhamid Aït‑Boudlal, signalling that a higher price is required before any summer move materialises. The Breton side, which has not yet offered a contract extension, warned that without meeting its valuation the transfer window could reshape its squad.
Stade Rennais rejects 28 M€ offer
Le Stade Rennais remains firm against Fulham's forcing for Abdelhamid Aït‑Boudlal, according to the club's statements. The Breton club expects a higher fee, with directors citing a demand for 35 M€ to release the 20‑year‑old Marocain defender who arrived two years ago. Foot01 reported the first offer of 28 M€ was turned down.
Fulham must improve its bid
Fulham is required to revisit its proposal, as the London side has yet to submit a second offer that meets Rennes' valuation. The club is Désireux to bring the defender to the Premier League this summer, and the agent for Aït‑Boudlal is reportedly pushing hard. A new bid could unlock the transfer in the coming days.
Potential domino effect on Rennes' transfer plans
A sale at 35 M€ would trigger a reshuffle of the market for Rennes, with the management needing at least one central defender and a winger to replace Aït‑Boudlal. Additionally, a midfielder might be sought if Jordan James departs for the Championship or if Seko Fofana leaves. Manager Franck Haise has warned that his squad is not yet ready ahead of the season opener at the Parc des Princes. The Club's hierarchy has outlined these targets.
Une recent friendly against Sunderland saw Aït‑Boudlal commit a serious error, reinforcing concerns that his focus is divided by transfer talks. No contract extension is currently on the table, leaving his future uncertain as the summer window draws to a close.
With the transfer window set to close soon, Rennes hopes a satisfactory offer will arrive before the deadline, allowing the club to finalize its recruitment strategy. The club's next steps will depend on Fulham's revised proposal and the willingness of potential replacements to join the Breton side.