The summer transfer window is not just about superstar signings. Sometimes, it is a quiet move for a young talent that makes all the difference later.
And now, two Premier League clubs are going head-to-head for one of Morocco’s rising defenders.
As reported by Le360 Sport, both Liverpool and Newcastle United are trying to sign a 19-year-old centre-back who has started to get noticed after a solid few months in French football.
Despite not being a household name yet, his performances have made top clubs stand up and take interest.
The player spent last season on loan at Amiens SC in Ligue 2 after joining in January. He made only nine appearances, but that short spell was enough to show promise.
His loan came after a move to Rennes, and though he is still developing, some clubs clearly believe he is ready for the next step.
It is Liverpool who seem to be moving quicker. According to the report, they have already made a concrete offer to bring him to Anfield.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have held face-to-face talks with the player’s camp to try and get ahead in the race.
French side OGC Nice have also shown interest, but may find it hard to compete with the Premier League’s pulling power both financially and in terms of project appeal.
The defender, who has already featured for Morocco’s youth sides, is known for his calmness on the ball and strong reading of the game. It is no surprise he is on the radar of clubs building for the future.
The young man at the centre of this story is Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, and whoever wins this race might just have secured a gem.
So, it will be interesting to see whether the pull of the Premier League champions or the challenge of representing the Magpies and taking them to more silverware convinces Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
