Moroccan youngster Adam Baalal signs professional contract with Saint-Étienne

French Ligue 2 side Saint-Étienne have officially announced the signing of Moroccan youngster Adam Baalal on a professional contract that will keep him at the club until 2029.

The 19-year-old midfielder joined Saint-Étienne during the January transfer window from Moroccan side Union Touarga, having previously developed his footballing skills at the Mohammed VI Football Academy.

Baalal made his senior debut with Union Touarga at just 17 and gained valuable experience competing in the Moroccan professional league, where he made seven appearances. He has also represented Morocco at U16, U17 and U20 levels, earning 13 international caps across the three age groups.

Since arriving in France, Baalal initially featured for Saint-Étienne’s U19 side before progressing to the club’s reserve team in the French National 3 championship.

His rapid development saw him start each of the club’s final seven matches of last season, while his performances also earned him opportunities with the first team.

Baalal continued to impress during pre-season under coach Ian Catroux, scoring twice in friendly matches against Lausanne and Venezia and strengthening his case for regular first-team involvement.

The Moroccan subsequently made his official Ligue 2 debut against Sochaux before featuring again in Saint-Étienne’s latest league encounter against Clermont.

His progress has now been rewarded with a professional contract running until the summer of 2029.

Speaking after putting pen to paper, Baalal expressed his pride at securing his professional future with the French club.

“It is a very proud moment for me to sign a professional contract with a great club like Saint-Étienne, after having worn their jersey in professional matches in recent weeks,” he said.

“My ambition now is to work hard to return to playing in this jersey in Ligue 2, although there is still a long way to go.”

Saint-Étienne sporting director Loïc Perrin also praised the youngster’s development, saying Baalal had prepared well and shown the qualities required to progress at the club.

Perrin highlighted the Moroccan’s technical ability, while also pointing to his mentality and attitude as key attributes that have helped accelerate his development.

Baalal’s professional contract represents another important step in his young career, following his move from Union Touarga to France. The Moroccan will now look to continue his development and establish himself as a regular member of Saint-Étienne’s first-team squad.