Five Moroccan players attracting major interest after flying start to 2026-27 season

A new generation of Moroccan footballers is making a significant impact across European leagues and on the international stage at the start of the 2026-27 season, with their performances drawing attention from leading clubs.

Here are five players whose form has made them particularly sought-after.

Yassir Zabiri

Yassir Zabiri has emerged as one of the standout players in Liga while on loan at Racing Santander from Rennes. The 21-year-old Morocco international has scored eight goals in 10 league matches, including a hat-trick against Elche in August, a brace against Alaves in September and a more recent goal against Espanyol.

Zabiri was named Liga’s best player under the age of 23 for September. His loan runs until June 2027 and does not include an option to buy, while Rennes cannot recall him before the agreement expires.

His release clause is reportedly worth more than 20 million euros. Racing Santander are keen to act quickly, but face strong competition, particularly from England.

Abdellah Ouazane

At just 17, Abdellah Ouazane made his first-team debut for Ajax on 16 August, scoring on the opening day of the Eredivisie season.

The attacking midfielder has since made 10 league appearances, including three starts, totalling 378 minutes. He recently scored his second Eredivisie goal against Sparta.

Ouazane is under contract with Ajax until June 2028 and is attracting considerable interest ahead of the transfer window. Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus are monitoring the Morocco international, although no negotiations have begun.

Abde Ezzalzouli

Abde Ezzalzouli has started six of Real Betis’ first seven Liga matches this season and has scored three goals in 514 minutes.

The 24-year-old left winger also scored his first Champions League goal against Porto in a 3-2 victory, finding the corner with a curling effort before being named player of the match.

Real Betis would reportedly demand between 50m and 60m euros for Ezzalzouli and would only consider a departure for a substantial offer. Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona are currently regarded as the leading contenders for the Atlas Lion before the winter transfer window.

Gessime Yassine

Gessime Yassine has made an important step forward since joining Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg. The 20-year-old winger arrived from Dunkerque in January and is contracted to the Alsatian club until 2030.

He has become a regular this season, starting eight Ligue 1 matches and playing 677 minutes. Yassine has contributed two goals and two assists.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing him this winter or next summer. Brighton, Newcastle, Sunderland, Brentford, Everton and Nottingham Forest are also said to be competing for his signature.

Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal

Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, who came through the Mohammed VI Academy before joining Rennes in July 2024, is establishing himself as one of Ligue 1’s emerging defensive figures.

The 20-year-old has started six matches this season, including four in the league, and scored his first Europa League goal in the victory over OFI.

A contract extension has reportedly been agreed, although nothing has yet been signed. His current deal runs until June 2028, while several leading European clubs are following the situation closely.