Newcastle United is already assessing younger center-backs as part of the club’s longer-term recruitment plans, with Matthias Jaissle’s squad expected to land more defensive players for depth over the next several transfer windows.
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle is keeping close tabs on Rennes defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal as the club evaluates potential additions ahead of 2027. The 20-year-old Morocco international has emerged as one of several young central defenders attracting
Newcastle’s attention.
“Newcastle United are keeping close tabs on highly-rated Rennes central defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, TEAMtalk understands,” Bailey wrote. “The Magpies have been monitoring the 20-year-old as they continue to assess defensive options heading into 2027, with Ait Boudlal emerging as a player of interest. TEAMtalk understands Newcastle are keeping a close eye on the Rennes youngster and his development as they consider their options at centre-back.”
According to Bailey, Fulham had a €30 million bid rejected by Rennes during the summer, while Everton, Brentford and Hull City have also been watching the defender. Clubs in Germany, Spain and Italy are also tracking his progress.
Ait Boudlal joined Rennes from the Mohammed VI Academy in July 2024 and remains under contract with the Ligue 1 club until June 2028, leaving Rennes in a strong negotiating position if Newcastle or another suitor eventually submits a formal bid.
There is no indication yet that Newcastle has submitted an offer or entered negotiations, and Bailey’s report places the Magpies at a monitoring stage for now.
That said, Newcastle’s interest fits the club’s new recruitment direction, with the Magpies increasingly targeting younger players who can develop within the organization instead of bringing in older, established players with limited resale value. Ait Boudlal’s profile therefore appears consistent with the type of player Newcastle has been scouting as it plans for the next phase of Jaissle’s squad rebuild.
Would you like Newcastle to make an early move for Ait Boudlal before competition intensifies, or should the club target a more established center-back? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account at Coming Home Newcastle and get:
- Create community posts on The Feed for everyone to read
- Comment on all articles and community posts
- Recommend comments and community posts
- Enjoy a new, improved notifications system
- Fewer ads
