Official: Ajax Sign Moroccan Starlet Abdellah Ouazane
Ouazane, born in Amsterdam on 15 January 2009, began his career at local club AVV Zeeburgia before joining Ajax's youth academy in 2016. He now joins Jong Ajax, the club's U23 side, for the 2025/26 season.
'We are absolutely delighted to have been able to sign Abdellah today,' said Ajax Director of Football Marijn Beuker. 'He is a creative attacking midfielder who plays a key role in both scoring goals and providing assists. Abdellah has excellent vision, and I'm confident he will also showcase his qualities at Ajax U23 this season.'
The Moroccan youth international was named best player of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Morocco lift the title after opting to represent the country of his heritage over the Netherlands.
According to reports by De Telegraaf and Africafoot, Ouazane had attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid. Negotiations with the Spanish side reportedly collapsed over medical concerns.
However, De Telegraaf reports that an independent assessment by Amsterdam's UMC hospital cleared Ouazane as 'physically fit to play football at the highest level', following two further medical evaluations.
After the breakdown in talks with Madrid, Ouazane and his brother Zakaria returned to Ajax and agreed new contracts with the Eredivisie club. Zakaria, also a Moroccan youth international, featured in the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations and the U17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Ajax reportedly implemented a tailored support programme to assist Abdellah's physical development following the Madrid saga. Despite his brief free-agent status in June, the club remained determined to retain him.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on social media that the duo had agreed long-term deals. Ajax is expected to gradually integrate Abdellah into the first team, should his development continue. Tags: AjaxMoroccoOuazaneReal Madrid
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
3 hours ago
- Morocco World
De Jong to Replace Ter Stegen as Barça Captain?
Frenkie de Jong is the frontrunner to become Barcelona captain for the 2025/26 season, according to Spanish outlet El Desmarque, as the club weighs a change in leadership amid tensions with current skipper Marc-André ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper's role is reportedly under review following his refusal to sign a medical document critical to the club's efforts to register new players. The standoff has led to mounting pressure within the club, with senior figures considering stripping him of the armband—a move seen as a step towards pushing him out. Despite still officially holding the captaincy, Ter Stegen's future at Barça is now uncertain. Club officials are said to be exploring ways to ease him out, and removing his captaincy could be part of that strategy. Should the change go ahead, De Jong is expected to assume the captaincy. The Dutch midfielder has grown in influence since joining from Ajax in 2019 and is now viewed as a key leader in the dressing room. Ronald Araújo and Raphinha are reportedly next in line for vice-captain roles. Raphinha, in particular, wore the armband on several occasions last season and is praised for his guidance of younger teammates. Pedri is also likely to join the leadership group. Despite his age, he holds considerable respect within the squad. The final spot could fall to either Gavi or veteran centre-back Iñigo Martínez, who has quickly become a steady presence since arriving last summer. Tags: BarcelonaDe JongTer Stegen
Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
Official: Ajax Sign Moroccan Starlet Abdellah Ouazane
Ajax have signed 16-year-old midfielder Abdellah Ouazane on a contract running until 30 June 2028, the Dutch club announced. Ouazane, born in Amsterdam on 15 January 2009, began his career at local club AVV Zeeburgia before joining Ajax's youth academy in 2016. He now joins Jong Ajax, the club's U23 side, for the 2025/26 season. 'We are absolutely delighted to have been able to sign Abdellah today,' said Ajax Director of Football Marijn Beuker. 'He is a creative attacking midfielder who plays a key role in both scoring goals and providing assists. Abdellah has excellent vision, and I'm confident he will also showcase his qualities at Ajax U23 this season.' The Moroccan youth international was named best player of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Morocco lift the title after opting to represent the country of his heritage over the Netherlands. According to reports by De Telegraaf and Africafoot, Ouazane had attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid. Negotiations with the Spanish side reportedly collapsed over medical concerns. However, De Telegraaf reports that an independent assessment by Amsterdam's UMC hospital cleared Ouazane as 'physically fit to play football at the highest level', following two further medical evaluations. After the breakdown in talks with Madrid, Ouazane and his brother Zakaria returned to Ajax and agreed new contracts with the Eredivisie club. Zakaria, also a Moroccan youth international, featured in the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations and the U17 World Cup in Indonesia. Ajax reportedly implemented a tailored support programme to assist Abdellah's physical development following the Madrid saga. Despite his brief free-agent status in June, the club remained determined to retain him. Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on social media that the duo had agreed long-term deals. Ajax is expected to gradually integrate Abdellah into the first team, should his development continue. Tags: AjaxMoroccoOuazaneReal Madrid
Morocco World
5 hours ago
- Morocco World
Wydad Blow It: Lorch Deal on the Brink as Club Refuses Demands
South African winger Thembinkosi Lorch is at the centre of a transfer tussle after Wydad Casablanca failed to secure a permanent deal following a successful loan spell, Africafoot reports. The 30-year-old impressed during the second half of the 2024/25 season with the Moroccan side, notably starring in the FIFA Club World Cup against Manchester City and scoring against Juventus. However, Wydad were unable to meet the $600,000 buyout clause before the deadline. Lorch, who is no longer part of Mamelodi Sundowns' plans, is now attracting interest from Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), FC Seoul (South Korea), and Al Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia). Wydad remain keen, though financial constraints may hinder a late move. According to Africafoot, Sundowns initially valued the player at around €1 million, but may lower the asking price due to a lack of interest. Lorch's agent has reportedly received concrete offers from the three other clubs, with a decision expected soon. Lorch has yet to return to Sundowns following the end of his loan. Speaking after Sundowns' 4-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Richards Bay FC, head coach Miguel Cardoso declined to confirm whether the winger would remain at the club. 'Regarding Lorch, just like with Mudau, Lucas, and Peter, I'm not going to discuss it,' Cardoso said. 'But with Lorch, it's a situation that comes from the past, and those will be addressed and solved by the club. In proper time, you will have the information that will be public.' Lorch joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January 2024, but has struggled for consistent game time. Tags: botola proLorchMamelodi Sundowns
