Ajax’s Moroccan teenager Abdullah Ouzzan impresses as Real Madrid interest fades and Ajax plan contract move

Abdullah Ouzzan is emerging as a central part of Ajax’s plans for the new season, with the club viewing the 17-year-old Moroccan as a first-team regular and preparing a key contract step for his 18th birthday.

The attacking midfielder has been one of Ajax’s standout performers in pre-season, earning significant trust from head coach Francesco Farioli – referred to locally as “Michel” – who already sees him as an integral option for the senior side in the coming campaign.

In Ajax’s most recent outing, Ouzzan scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory, prompting strong praise from Farioli. “His performance was excellent. He needs to keep developing, but I saw a player capable of helping us,” the coach said after the match.

Ouzzan, who wears the No 10 shirt, is continuing a rapid rise that has accelerated over the past year. Once close to a move to Real Madrid, he ultimately stayed in Amsterdam, extending his Ajax contract until 2028 after the Spanish club chose not to push ahead with the transfer.

“The return to Ajax was the best option for me. I am very happy,” Ouzzan said of that decision.

Former Real Madrid target now a key Ajax prospect

Ouzzan captains Morocco’s youth national teams and made his first-team debut for Ajax last season in the KNVB Cup. This summer he has been among the most-used players from Jong Ajax during pre-season under Farioli, amassing 227 minutes and delivering a series of convincing displays.

His impact has not been limited to friendlies. In Ajax’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying tie against Vojvodina, Ouzzan came off the bench in the 72nd minute and scored to seal a 4-1 away win, underlining his ability to influence competitive matches.

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Ajax’s director of football Jordy Cruyff is planning to formalise the club’s long-term commitment by agreeing a new contract with Ouzzan on 15 January, the day he turns 18.

Standout displays alongside fellow youngsters

In the recent match against Burnley, Ouzzan started in midfield alongside teenagers Gennaro Johnson (19) and Mokio (18), operating as the side’s playmaker in the No 10 position. In the 67th minute, he capitalised on a move initiated by teammate Konado to score, further strengthening his case for regular inclusion.

“Everyone says I am talented, but now I want to prove it and become a real player in this sport,” the Moroccan youngster said afterwards.

For Ouzzan, the prospect of joining Real Madrid is no longer part of his thinking, with his attention fixed firmly on carving out a long-term future at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

“Real Madrid is in the past for me,” he made clear through his comments, stressing instead his commitment to Ajax and his own development.

“I am young, patient, and I have to work hard. Left, left, right, 10, 8, 6 – I don’t care about the position,” he said, underlining his willingness to play anywhere across midfield.

“I want to focus on getting minutes and staying patient… I am only 17, and I have my own goals and ambitions,” he added.

Ajax now appear determined to ensure those ambitions are realised in Amsterdam, as one of Morocco’s brightest prospects continues to push his way towards a permanent place in the first team.