French club AS Saint-Étienne are keeping close tabs on highly rated Moroccan centre-back Ismael Baouf as they look to bolster their squad with young, high-upside talent.
The 19-year-old, who currently plies his trade with Dutch side SC Cambuur, has emerged as one of the standout defensive prospects in the Eerste Divisie this season. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several clubs tracking his development.
Baouf has caught the eye with his blend of physical power, sharp defensive awareness and composure in possession. Strong in the air and precise in his tackling, the teenage defender also shows impressive confidence when playing out from the back — a trait increasingly prized in the modern game.
His ability to stay calm under pressure and read situations early has already earned him a regular place in Cambuur’s starting XI despite his age.
According to reports, Saint-Étienne have made preliminary enquiries to better understand Baouf’s contractual situation and long-term prospects.
No formal talks have been opened with Cambuur, however, and the Dutch club remain in a strong position, having tied the defender to a deal that runs until 2028.
Baouf’s growing reputation has also been fuelled by his exploits on the international stage.
After representing Belgium at youth level, he switched allegiance to Morocco and has since become a key figure for the Atlas Lions’ U20 side. H
e played an integral role at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, helping Morocco lift the trophy and impressing with his consistency, positional discipline and accuracy in build-up play.
Those displays underlined his readiness for elite-level football, showcasing a defender capable of combining defensive solidity with meaningful contribution in possession.
As a result, Baouf has attracted attention from national team selectors and drawn serious interest from clubs across Europe.
