Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign highly-rated Moroccan teenager Abdallah Ouazzane from Ajax.
The 16-year-old forward rose to prominence after a standout performance at the recent U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he was named the tournament’s Best Player.
Ouazzane is set to pen a five-year contract with Los Blancos.
According to reports, Real Madrid scouts were present in Morocco during the U-17 AFCON and closely tracked the youngster’s performances.
Following the tournament, the club initiated talks with Ouazzane’s father and inner circle. The negotiations progressed swiftly, and the player has since travelled to Madrid with his father to finalise the deal.
The move comes as a free transfer, with Ouazzane’s contract at Ajax Amsterdam having expired.
He had come through the ranks at the Dutch club. Real Madrid will only be required to pay Ajax a fee covering training and development costs.
Widely regarded as one of Morocco’s brightest young prospects, Ouazzane has drawn attention from several top European clubs thanks to his sharp finishing and impressive technical ability.
His transfer to Real Madrid will see him become the third Moroccan to sign for the club, following in the footsteps of Brahim Diaz and Youssef El Khadim, and marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first Moroccan player to feature for the Spanish giants at such a young age.