Morocco youngster Safouane Benzahra set to sign first professional contract with AS Monaco

Morocco youth international Safouane Benzahra is set to sign his first professional contract with French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco after making an early impression with the club’s senior team.

The 18-year-old has been rewarded for his progress through Monaco’s academy and is expected to put pen to paper on his first professional deal with Les Monégasques in the coming days.

Benzahra has already taken an important step towards establishing himself at senior level this season, having been handed opportunities by Monaco’s first-team setup.

The Morocco youth international featured in both of Monaco’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying matches, gaining valuable experience in European competition despite his young age.

He has also made a handful of minutes in Ligue 1, further underlining the club’s confidence in his development and his ability to compete at the highest level of French football.

His emergence has now convinced Monaco to secure his future, with the club preparing to formalise his professional status.

Benzahra’s progress also comes as Monaco look to retain a number of their most promising academy talents.

Besides, Melvin Gomes is also set to sign his first professional contract with the club despite strong interest from Chelsea.

On the other hand, 17-year-old attacker Nahek Haddani is expected to sign his first professional deal, while Foot Mercato reports that Franco-Tunisian attacking midfielder Najd Ajroud is also set to commit his future to Monaco on a three-year contract.

For Benzahra, however, the imminent agreement represents another significant milestone in his development and could provide him with a stronger platform to continue pushing for regular first-team involvement.

His appearances in European qualifying and Ligue 1 this season have already given the young Morocco international a taste of senior football, and the professional contract is expected to further cement his place within Monaco’s long-term plans.