Morocco’s Safouane Benzahra set to sign first professional contract with AS Monaco

Safouane Benzahra is set to sign his first professional contract with AS Monaco after making a strong impression during his breakthrough season with the first team.

The 18-year-old Morocco youth international has emerged as one of the academy prospects being rewarded for his progress, with L’Equipe reporting that Monaco are preparing professional deals for several young players.

Benzahra earns first-team opportunity

Benzahra has already gained valuable senior experience this season, featuring in both of Monaco’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.

The teenager has also made several Ligue 1 appearances as he continues to establish himself around the first-team setup. His performances have strengthened his case for a professional contract and underlined Monaco’s willingness to promote promising academy players.

His development has now put him in line to follow the same path as Melvin Gomes, who is also expected to sign his first professional deal with the club.

Gomes has attracted interest from Chelsea, but Monaco are nevertheless keen to secure his future as part of their plans for developing young talent.

More academy deals on the way

Benzahra is not the only Monaco academy player expected to make the step up to professional football.

Seventeen-year-old Nahek Haddani is also reportedly set to sign his first professional contract with the Ligue 1 side.

Meanwhile, Foot Mercato understands that Franco-Tunisian attacking midfielder Najd Ajroud is poised to put pen to paper on a three-year deal after impressing for Monaco’s Under-19 side.

The expected contracts underline the club’s continued investment in its academy and its strategy of giving emerging talents a pathway into senior football.

For Benzahra, the move represents another significant step in a rapid rise that has already taken him from Monaco’s youth ranks to involvement with the first team at just 18.

His appearances in European competition and Ligue 1 this season have provided an early indication of his potential, while the impending professional contract could give him greater security as he seeks to establish himself at the highest level.