The ongoing negotiations between Nico Schlotterbeck and Borussia Dortmund seem to be far from reaching a conclusion. However, Schlotterbeck is not the only defensive concern for BVB, as the new sporting director Nils-Ole Book is actively exploring options to rejuvenate the squad. Among the potential targets is a promising talent from Stade Rennais, a club known for producing top players like Ousmane Dembélé.
Recent reports from Sky Sports indicate that 19-year-old Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is on Borussia Dortmund's radar. Ait Boudlal joined Stade Rennais for the 2024/25 season and spent the previous season on loan at Amiens SC. In the current season, he has been a part of the French side's rotation and has caught the attention of elite clubs thanks to his impressive, albeit inconsistent, performances.
Notably, Boudlal recently made his debut for the Moroccan national team and was included in the squad for the Africa Cup. His athleticism is particularly striking; standing at 1.90 m, the central defender showcases agility in tight spaces and excels in one-on-one situations while defending aggressively.
Moreover, Boudlal poses a significant goal threat. His height makes him a formidable presence during set pieces in the opponent's penalty area, and he frequently initiates counter-attacks with his deep runs.
However, securing the right-footed defender will not come cheap for Dortmund. Several clubs from England have already added the young Moroccan to their transfer lists, and Stade Rennais holds a strong negotiating position with a contract that runs until 2028.
It is anticipated that Boudlal will command a fee ranging from €20 to €25 million. Whether Borussia Dortmund is willing to invest such a sum in a successor to Süle remains highly questionable, especially considering the rapid development of Luca Reggiani.
As reported by fussballdaten.de.
