Abdellah Ouazane has broken his silence following a turbulent few weeks that saw his anticipated move to Real Madrid collapse, only to culminate in him signing his first professional contract with Ajax Amsterdam.
The Moroccan prodigy, who dazzled at the last U17 Africa Cup of Nations, described the period as an emotional rollercoaster but insists he has found peace with his decision.
The 16-year-old midfielder was on the verge of completing a dream transfer to Real Madrid, having rejected contract extension offers from Ajax in hopes of securing a future with the Spanish giants.
However, the move fell apart at the final hurdle, reportedly due to issues during his medical examination in Madrid.
In the aftermath, Ajax swiftly re-entered the fray, offering Ouazane a three-year contract that was officially confirmed by the club on Monday.
Abdellah Ouazane signed a contract until mid-2028 (end of June 2028), Ajax stated in a press release, bringing an end to a saga that had gripped both Dutch and Moroccan football circles. After his failed transfer to Real Madrid, he signed without hesitation for Ajax, the club where he trained as a youth player.
Speaking for the first time since the dramatic turn of events, Ouazane reflected on the ordeal with maturity beyond his years.
A lot has happened in the last few weeks, he admitted. But we managed to stay calm and overcome the ordeal.
We have quality and we knew that a club like Ajax would come back after our departure.
Confidence returned immediately, and I’m very happy about that.
While he acknowledged his disappointment at missing out on a move to Madrid, Ouazane stressed that Ajax had always held a special place in his heart.
Deep down, I always dreamed of playing at the Arena. I’m happy to sign here. I’m ready. When we finally learned that the transfer wouldn’t go through, I kept my faith. And then, I didn’t have another club in mind; I didn’t need one. It was either Real Madrid or here, Ajax.
The young midfielder’s words reflect a deep-rooted attachment to the club that nurtured his development.
Shortly after putting pen to paper, Ouazane posed for photos with his family, including his older brother Zakaria Ouazane, who also renewed his commitment to Ajax with a two-year contract.
Zakaria, aiming to make a significant impact with Jong Ajax, expressed his aspirations: We want to make a big step together. The brothers now look forward to embarking on their professional journeys in Amsterdam, determined to write their own success stories.
As for Abdellah, the saga may have closed one door, but it has also opened another – one that leads him back to the club where his footballing dreams first took shape.
