Barcelona academy talent Ahmed Abarkane chooses Morocco over Spain

Barcelona youth-team left-back Ahmed Abarkane has opted to represent Morocco at the international level after attracting interest from Spain.

The promising defender, who has developed within Barcelona’s youth system, has reportedly chosen the Atlas Lions despite efforts from the Spanish Football Federation to keep him within their youth setup.

Morocco’s U17 coach Ahmed Al-Qantari is reported to have played a key role in convincing Abarkane to commit to the North African country.

Abarkane turns down Spain U17 invitation

According to reports cited by Win Win and Al-Quds Al-Arabi, Abarkane had received an official invitation to join Spain’s Under-17 national team.

The Barcelona youngster, however, is understood to have decided to follow Morocco’s sporting project and represent the country of his family’s heritage.

His decision comes despite the reported efforts by the Spanish federation to retain the left-back within the youth ranks of La Roja.

Morocco continue to attract young talent

Abarkane’s decision adds another promising name to Morocco’s pool of young players developing in European academies.

The move also highlights the growing focus on players with Moroccan heritage who are eligible to represent the Atlas Lions while developing outside the country.

For Morocco, securing the commitment of a player from Barcelona’s youth system represents another opportunity to strengthen the national team pathway at youth level, with Al-Qantari now set to work with the promising left-back.