Barcelona have reportedly been handed a major boost in pursuit of 24-year-old Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui, who is ready to join the Blaugrana.
According to reputed journalist Gerard Romero, Noussair Mazraoui is keen on joining Barcelona on a free transfer in next summer’s transfer window. Such a development has come as a massive boost for Barcelona in their pursuit of the 24-year-old Ajax right-back.
Noussair Mazraoui has been with Ajax since joining their famed academy as a nine-year-old in July 2006. Since then, the Moroccan international has come a long way, establishing himself as a key figure in the first-team setup at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
This season, 24-year-old has performed admirably, chipping in with four goals and three assists in 21 appearances for Ajax across all competitions. However, the Dutch giants are in a precarious position over his long-term future, with the player in the final year of his contract. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.
The interest from Barcelona is understandable, considering Sergino Dest is facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou. Interestingly, Mazraoui became a prominent figure at Ajax following Dest’s move to Barcelona last season. Now, he could be the USMNT international’s replacement at Barcelona.
Recent reports have claimed that the Catalan giants are weighing up selling Dest, which will open up a space for a right-back in the first-team squad. So, Mazraoui is a viable target for Barcelona, despite the return of Dani Alves.
Alves is in the twilight of his storied career, which is why Barcelona must sign a right-back, as the veteran Brazilian defender cannot play multiple games in a week. And now, Mazraoui has handed Barcelona a major boost, as he is keen on joining the Blaugrana on a free transfer in next summer’s transfer window.
Such a development comes in the wake of Joan Laporta’s recent trip to Turin for the Golden Boy gala. The Barcelona president also met Mino Raiola on this trip, with several names, including Mazraoui, discussed in the meeting. With the 24-year-old ready to join the La Liga heavyweights, it remains to be seen if a free transfer sees the light of the day.
