Moroccan U17 stars Ahmed Mouhoub and Driss Ait Cheikh sign for Copenhagen

Two standout performers from Morocco’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations triumph earlier this year, Ahmed Mouhoub and Driss Ait Cheikh, have secured moves to Danish champions FC Copenhagen.

The club confirmed the signings just days before the summer transfer window closes, with both youngsters set to arrive once they reach the age of eligibility.

Mouhoub, currently at FUS Rabat, will join in January, while Ait Cheikh, who plays for Chippo FC, will follow in July.

The pair were instrumental in Morocco’s victorious U17 campaign, staged on home soil in March and April, and their performances quickly caught the attention of European scouts.

Copenhagen, determined to invest in emerging talent, moved decisively to secure their signatures.

Mikkel Køhler, the club’s head of recruitment, praised the qualities of both players.

Mouhoub is a powerful central midfielder with a strong mind and good technical potential, he said, adding that Ait Cheikh had impressed with his solid physical and technical abilities.

Initially, both players will be integrated into Copenhagen’s Under-19 side, where the club hopes to oversee their adaptation to European football.

Strong performances could see them progress to Jacob Neestrup’s first-team squad, with the opportunity to feature in domestic and European competitions.

The timing of the announcement coincides with an important period for Copenhagen.

The reigning Danish champions, who have lifted the Superliga title in each of the past two seasons, are in the midst of their Champions League qualifying campaign.

They advanced past Malmö with a goalless draw away and a convincing 5-0 win at home, and now hold a slight advantage against Basel following a 1-1 draw in Switzerland ahead of the return leg.

For Mouhoub and Ait Cheikh, Copenhagen offers both a platform and a challenge.

The club has a track record of nurturing promising players before introducing them to the intensity of European football.

F.C. Copenhagen are delighted to announce Moroccan top talent Driss Ait Cheikh will join the club next summer #fcklive https://t.co/0QLYl7Z1OS

— F.C. København (@FCKobenhavn) August 26, 2025

Success at youth level could open the door to competing on the continent’s biggest stage.

Morocco’s youth development has gained increasing recognition in recent years, and the transfer of two of its brightest young stars to a Champions League-level club highlights the growing reach of its talent.

For Copenhagen, the double signing represents an investment in the future, with the hope that Mouhoub and Ait Cheikh can one day strengthen the senior team in both domestic and European competition.