Rennes coach Frank Haise has made clear that Morocco defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal will not be allowed to leave the club this summer, despite Fulham submitting an official offer for the 20-year-old.
Fulham have approached Rennes with a formal bid for Ait Boudlal, who has attracted several proposals in recent weeks. The interest comes during the current summer transfer window, with the Premier League club seeking to secure the services of the young defender.
However, Haise has rejected the possibility of a departure and says Rennes are counting on the player for the future.
Speaking at a news conference, the Rennes manager said Ait Boudlal was “not for sale”. He added: “There is no problem, at least no problem that has been spoken to me about (the offers). He is happy here, has two years left on his contract and we are relying on him.”
The comments represent Rennes’ clearest position yet on Ait Boudlal’s future since reports of Fulham’s interest emerged. While the player is reportedly open to the prospect of moving to England, Haise’s statement indicates that the French club do not currently intend to negotiate his departure.
According to Foot Mercato, Ait Boudlal would welcome the opportunity to play in the Premier League and is receptive to a move to England this summer. His willingness to consider the switch contrasts with Rennes’ public stance, with Haise emphasising both the defender’s contract situation and his importance to the squad.
Ait Boudlal made 21 appearances for Rennes last season. Although he was not selected in Morocco’s squad for the most recent World Cup, his development has continued to attract attention.
The defender came through the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which has helped produce a number of Morocco’s emerging players. He is also regarded as one of the candidates for this year’s Golden Boy award, further underlining his growing profile in European football.
For now, Rennes’ position is that Ait Boudlal remains part of their plans. Fulham’s formal offer and the player’s reported openness to a move leave his future as a subject of interest during the summer window, but Haise has publicly indicated that the club do not view the Morocco defender as available.
