Liverpool pushing hardest to sign elite 20-year-old talent

Liverpool are reportedly pushing hardest to sign one of the brightest prospects around.

Africa Foot reports that Liverpool are the most interested party in Moroccan centre-back Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal. Currently at Rennes, Ait Boudlal has proven to be a very capable defender at only 20.

Of course, this is a particularly interesting one because he plays for Rennes. Ait Boudlal has immediate comparisons with Jeremy Jacquet, his teammate and a player who will join Liverpool in the summer.

So could it be both of them, then? This isn't the first time Liverpool have been linked with Ait Boudlal and we doubt it's the last as he appears set for a major move at some stage.

Now, it feels unlikely that Rennes would sell both of their elite centre-back talents in one window. They surely don't need money quite that badly.

But it also sounds as though Liverpool will try to send more cash their way in an effort to significantly bolster their centre-back options for next season. There's some logic to it, too - they'd be getting a player who already has a partnership with the incoming Jacquet.

Situation Summary: Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal

Ligue 1 Performance and Defensive Maturity

Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal has enjoyed a significant breakout season at Stade Rennais during the 2025–2026 campaign. As of 16 April 2026, the 20-year-old Moroccan centre-back has made 15 appearances in Ligue 1, starting 12 of them. He has demonstrated an unusual goalscoring instinct for a defender, netting two goals and providing one assist. Statistically, Aït Boudlal has been highly efficient, recording a 90% passing completion rate and averaging 3.5 clearances per game. His rise to the first team follows a successful transition from the Mohammed VI Football Academy and a brief loan spell at Amiens. On the international stage, he was a member of the Morocco squad that was recently crowned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations winners following the voiding of the original final result.

Transfer Interest and Future Speculation

The teenage defender is currently one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe, with Rennes reportedly fighting to retain him. On 15 April 2026, reports emerged that the French club had moved to block any potential summer exit, valuing him at approximately €10 million and seeking to extend his current contract beyond 2028. Borussia Dortmund are said to be leading the chase, viewing him as a primary target to bolster their backline. However, Liverpool remain firmly in the hunt, having tracked his progress since his time with the Morocco U17s. Newcastle United, Ajax, and RB Leipzig are also monitoring his situation closely, though Dortmund’s reputation for developing young talent reportedly gives them a slight advantage in the race for his signature.

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