Ajax Amsterdam have successfully retained two of their most promising academy talents after reaching agreements with both Abdellah Ouazane and his brother Zakaria to sign new contracts. The deals represent a major victory for the Dutch club following months of uncertainty over the futures of the Moroccan brothers.
Abdellah Ouazane will commit to Ajax for the next three years, the maximum duration permitted for a player of his age. Long tracked by Real Madrid, Abdellah Ouazane ended up returning to Ajax Amsterdam, committing for the next three years. This development marks the conclusion of a transfer saga that has captivated European football circles for several months.
According to sources, Abdullah Ouazane and his brother Zakaria Ouazane are set to sign their new deals with Ajax next week, reaffirming their dedication to the Dutch club despite external interest. The timing of these signings comes at a crucial moment for Ajax’s youth development strategy, securing two talents who had attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs.
The brothers’ commitment to Ajax represents a significant coup for the Amsterdam club’s academy system. Considered one of the greatest sensations of the Dutch club training center, the young Moroccan midfielder has been at the center of intense speculation regarding his future throughout the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid Transfer Collapse
The path to these new Ajax contracts was far from straightforward, with both brothers initially set to join Real Madrid this summer. Real Madrid have decided not to sign 16-year-old midfielder Abdellah Ouazane and his brother, forward Zakaria Ouazane, despite ongoing negotiations and agreements in place.
After returning to Ajax Amsterdam following a failed medical with Real Madrid, Abdellah Ouazane is now set to sign a multi-year contract with the Dutch club. The medical complications that derailed the Real Madrid move ultimately worked in Ajax’s favor, allowing them to retain their prized assets.
The move was supposed to include his brother Zakaria as part of a dual signing, with both set to integrate into Real’s U19 squad on free transfers once their Ajax contracts expired. The collapse of this dual transfer opened the door for Ajax to negotiate fresh terms with both players.
Player Profiles and Development
Abdellah Ouazane has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Dutch youth football. Born on January 15, 2009, in Amsterdam, the 1.83m tall midfielder holds dual Moroccan and Dutch citizenship. His development through Ajax’s renowned academy system has been closely monitored by scouts across Europe.
Born in Amsterdam in 2009 to Moroccan parents, Abdellah Ouazane joined Ajax’s esteemed youth academy at the age of seven after starting out at AVV Zeeburgia. This long association with Ajax’s development program has shaped his playing style and tactical understanding.
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Abdellah Ouazane is a top talent with a rare combination of physical, technical, and mental attributes. His ambidexterity, versatility, and ability to impact all phases of play make him one of the most exciting prospects of his age group. These qualities have made him a target for Europe’s biggest clubs.
The midfielder’s international recognition has also grown substantially. Manchester United have set their sights on Ajax’s rising talent Abdellah Ouazane following his performances for Morocco at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. His performances at youth international level have only increased his profile among European scouts.
European Interest and Competition
The competition for the Ouazane brothers’ signatures has been intense throughout the summer. Ouazane has shone in recent seasons within Ajax’s youth ranks, thanks to his sharp vision, attracting attention from multiple top European clubs beyond Real Madrid.
Several other major clubs had been monitoring the situation closely, ready to pounce should Ajax fail to secure new deals. The brothers’ decision to commit to Ajax despite this external interest speaks to the club’s ability to present a compelling development pathway for young talent.
Strategic Importance for Ajax
These contract renewals represent more than just retaining talent; they validate Ajax’s youth development philosophy. The club’s ability to convince highly sought-after prospects to choose Amsterdam over other European destinations reinforces their reputation as a premier destination for young players.
The Ouazane brothers’ commitment also provides Ajax with valuable assets that could generate future transfer income. By securing them on new terms, Ajax maintains control over their development while protecting their investment in youth academy infrastructure.
The deals send a strong message to other young talents considering their options that Ajax remains committed to providing pathways to first-team football. This reputation for developing and promoting youth players continues to be a key differentiator in attracting top prospects.
Looking ahead, both brothers will continue their development within Ajax’s system, with the club hoping to integrate them into senior football over the coming seasons.
