Five young Moroccan footballers are attracting serious attention from Europe’s biggest clubs after a strong start to the 2026-27 season, according to reports published this week. From Yassir Zabiri’s goals in Spain to 17-year-old Abdellah Ouazane’s rise at Ajax, here is who is in demand and why.
Key facts
- Yassir Zabiri (Racing Santander, on loan from Rennes) has 8 goals in 10 La Liga games.
- Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis) is reportedly wanted by PSG and Barcelona.
- Abdellah Ouazane (Ajax, 17) is monitored by Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus.
- Gessime Yassine (Strasbourg) is linked with Chelsea and several Premier League sides.
- Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal (Rennes) is reportedly close to a new contract.
Zabiri and Ezzalzouli: Spain’s Moroccan standouts
Zabiri, 21, has been the surprise of La Liga. On loan at Racing Santander from Rennes, he has scored eight goals in ten league matches, including a hat-trick against Elche and a brace against Alaves, and was named La Liga’s best under-23 player for September. His loan runs to June 2027 with no option to buy, and Rennes cannot recall him before it ends. His release clause is reportedly above 20 million euros, a figure neither club has confirmed.
At Real Betis, winger Abde Ezzalzouli, 24, has three goals in 514 league minutes and scored his first Champions League goal in a 3-2 win over Porto, earning player of the match. Betis reportedly want 50 to 60 million euros, and PSG and Barcelona are said to be the leading suitors ahead of the winter window.
Ouazane, Yassine and Ait Boudlal: the next wave
Ouazane, an attacking midfielder, debuted for Ajax on 16 August and has made ten league appearances, scoring twice. His contract runs to June 2028, and reports say Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus are watching, although no talks have started.
Strasbourg winger Gessime Yassine, 20, has two goals and two assists in eight Ligue 1 starts. Chelsea are reportedly interested for this winter or next summer, with Brighton, Newcastle, Brentford and others also named. Defender Ait Boudlal, 20, a product of the Mohammed VI Academy, scored his first Europa League goal for Rennes and has reportedly agreed, but not yet signed, an extension.
Why it matters for the Atlas Lions
Strong club form gives Morocco’s coaches more options as the national team builds towards the 2030 World Cup. We also covered how Hakimi, Bounou and Bouaddi fared at the 2026 Ballon d’Or, and the latest English cup draw for fans following the European season.
Transfer interest is based on media reports and is not confirmed by the clubs involved.
Sources: AfricaSoccer; Morocco World News
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