Real Madrid Sign Abdellah Ouazzine from Ajax – Moroccan Wonderkid Joins on Free Transfer
Real Madrid have finalized a deal to sign highly-rated Moroccan talent Abdellah Ouazzine from Ajax on a free transfer, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 16-year-old will officially join Los Blancos in July after his contract with the Dutch giants expires on June 29.
Who is Abdellah Ouazzine?
Born in Amsterdam and having represented Morocco at youth level, Ouazzine is regarded as one of the most exciting midfield prospects in Europe. His decision to leave Ajax follows months of negotiations in which the club made three separate contract offers, including a personal intervention from new manager John Heitinga. Despite these efforts—and even a final “ultimatum”—Ouazzine turned down the offers, determined to join Real Madrid.
The young attacking midfielder attracted interest from other European heavyweights including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but Real Madrid’s proactive approach and strong relationship with his representatives sealed the deal.
Ouazzine is expected to begin his career in Spain with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team that serves as a bridge to the first team. His signing aligns with Madrid’s ongoing focus on nurturing elite young talent, following recent acquisitions like Endrick, Arda Güler, and Franco Mastantuono.
Despite his age, Ouazzine has already made a name for himself on the international stage. He was named MVP of the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he led Morocco’s youth side to a dominant tournament run. His versatility—operating as an attacking midfielder or second striker—has made him a standout among scouts.
At club level, he’s impressed in limited minutes. In just four appearances for Ajax U-19s, Ouazzine scored three goals in only 90 combined minutes—an outstanding rate for a player still developing physically and tactically.
With incoming head coach Xabi Alonso reportedly placing an emphasis on youth development at Madrid, Ouazzine’s path to the senior squad is clearer than ever. The Moroccan talent now joins one of world football’s most storied academies, with the potential to become a future first-team star at the Santiago Bernabéu.
