Bouanani nears return to Ligue 1 via RC Strasbourg

Developments regarding the future of Algerian international Badr Eddine Bouanani have accelerated in the last hours of the summer transfer window, as RC Strasbourg Alsace has entered negotiations to acquire the young winger on loan from Stuttgart.

According to media sources reported by the French newspaper "L'Équipe", RC Strasbourg Alsace has expressed clear interest in acquiring the services of Bounani as part of their efforts to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes, with negotiations between the two parties appearing to be advanced and serious.

This move comes at a time when Bouanani, aged 21, is looking for more opportunities to participate, having been unable to achieve the consistency he aspired to during his time with Stuttgart.

Stuttgart are now more open to loaning out the player, having previously leaned towards keeping him. This change comes after the coaching staff, led by Sebastian Hoeneß, informed the club's management that Bouanani is not among the key players in their plans for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.

The current plan is to loan the player for one season until June 2027, without a mandatory purchase clause, while he remains under contract with Stuttgart until 2030. In return, RC Strasbourg Alsace is looking to include a non-mandatory purchase option valued between €12 million and €15 million, should the Algerian winger excel during his time in Ligue 1.

Negotiations are not limited to the sporting side, as Stuttgart are asking the French club to bear the full salary of Bouanani during the loan period, which is estimated to be around €1.5 to €1.7 million annually, along with modest financial fees for completing the loan.

The German club aims to ease the financial burdens associated with the player, having signed him last summer for €15 million, while retaining the option to reassess his future after the loan period ends.

Bouanani hopes that returning to Ligue 1 will give him the chance to regain competitive rhythm and showcase his abilities, at a time when a loan could represent a suitable solution for Stuttgart to monitor the player's development before making a final decision regarding his future.