In a move that’s turned heads across Europe, Real Madrid has sealed the signing of Abdellah Ouazane, a 16-year-old Moroccan prodigy who’s been causing a stir ever since his eye-catching performance at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Not only was he named the tournament’s MVP, but his mix of flair and intelligence in midfield has had scouts busy scribbling notes for months. Barcelona wanted him badly. Ajax wanted to keep him. But Real Madrid swooped in and completed the deal, adding another jewel to their world-famous La Fábrica academy.
Ouazane had choices on the table. Barcelona was ready to fight for his signature; Ajax even made a personal pitch through their new manager John Heitinga. But the promise of Madrid’s youth system, especially under the fresh guidance of Xabi Alonso, was too tempting to turn down. Ouazane will first join Real’s U18 or U19 squads, getting a chance to ease into Spanish football instead of being thrown straight into the pressured environment of the B team, Castilla. For a 16-year-old, that’s a smart play. While a direct jump to Castilla is out of reach for now, coaches are already betting on his fast rise through the ranks.
This signing is about more than just adding numbers to the youth system. Since Xabi Alonso took over as coach, Madrid has started to place real value on young blood, moving away from Carlo Ancelotti’s focus on tried-and-tested stars. For years, fans grumbled about talented academy players barely getting a look on the big stage. Now, that’s beginning to change. Ouazane’s arrival is a symbol of this new approach—building for the future rather than just buying established names year after year.
The deal itself was smooth. Ajax only received a modest training compensation since Ouazane’s contract had run out—a tough pill to swallow for a club known for producing top talent. But it’s Barcelona who might be the most frustrated. Their attempt to lure Ouazane floundered, underlining their recent struggles to win over rising prospects. With Real Madrid snagging another headline-maker, Barca’s recruitment pipeline starts to look a little less reliable.
The Moroccan youth international isn’t Madrid’s only fresh face this summer. The club also locked in the return of Álvaro Carreras, a versatile 22-year-old left-back from Benfica. Carreras, who polished his skills in Real’s academy before heading abroad, returns with a six-year deal and a reputation for combining speed with smart defensive play. He’s expected to offer Xabi Alonso both cover and competition for Madrid’s current full-backs, and his long-term contract shows the confidence Madrid has in his development.
All of these moves are adding up to one clear message from Madrid: youth isn’t just the future, it’s the present. And with Barcelona left empty-handed this time, the eternal rivalry has a new chapter for the next generation to write.