The Stade Rennais blocks the departure of its Moroccan prodigy

The central defender was confirmed in the four-man backline during the victory on Saturday against Angers (2-1), taking the place of Anthony Rouault. This choice by coach Franck Haise follows the player’s convincing performance in Brest (4-3), marking his return after a thigh injury. According to Ouest-France, the coach justifies this decision: "Abdel was very good in Brest, he has been very good in training for a while. This is one of the choices a coach has to make [...], because you put a deserving and performing player on the bench."

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The Moroccan international displays the characteristics of a modern profile, combining physical impact, speed and offensive projection. Against the Angers club, his statistics were excellent with nine duels won, three successful dribbles out of three attempted and very accurate forward passing. His proactive style, however, generates certain risks, sometimes resulting in lapses in concentration and positioning errors, which are logical for a still novice player.

This rapid progression validates the expectations placed on him since 2023, the year The Guardian listed him among the 60 best young talents in the world. Acquired in 2024 for one million euros in the face of fierce competition, he has taken a decisive step this season. Integrated into the Moroccan A national team, he participated in the Africa Cup of Nations and is in the perspective of the next World Cup.

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His high-level performances logically increase his market value, now estimated at several tens of millions of euros. While formations like Newcastle have already made approaches last summer, the Rennes leaders refuse an immediate departure after having already sold Jérémy Jacquet. The sports project aims to establish him as a central element of the squad for at least one additional full season and to extend his current contract, which runs until 2028.