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Barcelona target rising Moroccan Star Abdellah Ouazane amid interest from PSG

Issa Said May 23, 2025

FC Barcelona are closely monitoring 16-year-old Moroccan sensation Abdellah Ouazane, as the Catalan giants continue their strategy of investing in emerging African talent to strengthen their youth system.

According to reports from the Spanish daily Sport, Ouazane has attracted the attention of scouts at Barcelona following a series of standout performances at youth level for Ajax Amsterdam, where he has impressed with his versatility and maturity.

Although naturally a midfielder, he is also capable of slotting into central defence—a tactical adaptability that has added to his growing reputation across Europe.

Born in Amsterdam and holding both Dutch and Moroccan nationalities, Ouazane has already made a decisive commitment to represent Morocco at international level.

He played a pivotal role in Morocco’s triumph at the recent U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where his performances earned him the Most Valuable Player award. Managed by former international Nabil Baha, Morocco clinched the title in style, with Ouazane standing out as one of the tournament’s brightest prospects.

His ability to dictate play, coupled with a composed presence on the pitch far beyond his years, has positioned him as a highly sought-after figure among Europe’s top clubs.

FC Barcelona, who have recently placed renewed emphasis on developing youthful talent through their famed academy La Masia, see Ouazane as a potential cornerstone of their next generation.

This recruitment focus comes in part as a response to financial pressures that have reshaped the club’s transfer policy in recent years. With expensive signings often proving unsustainable, Barcelona have turned to scouting and nurturing elite youth prospects, particularly from Africa and South America.

The signing of Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye—who was later sold to Rennes—and the acquisition of Malian standout Ibrahim Diarra underscore this shift in strategy.

Ouazane fits this profile perfectly, and Barcelona are reportedly preparing a sporting proposal aimed at luring him before he signs his first professional contract.

Their pitch is expected to focus heavily on the club’s track record of developing top-tier talent through La Masia, offering a clear pathway to first-team football.

However, they are not alone in their pursuit. Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be closely watching the young midfielder, setting the stage for a possible tug-of-war between two of Europe’s elite institutions.

PSG’s youth recruitment efforts have similarly intensified in recent seasons, and the French champions are understood to rate Ouazane highly.

For now, both clubs are biding their time, waiting for the right moment to make a formal approach. No official offers have been made, but sources suggest that discussions behind the scenes are already underway, with each side keen to secure a player who could become a major figure in European football over the next decade.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the battle to sign Abdellah Ouazane may become one of the most closely watched youth market stories, with Barcelona and PSG both hoping to land the teenager before he commits his future elsewhere.