Abdellah Ouazane Signs Long-Term Contract Extension with Ajax

Ajax announced that Abdellah Ouazane, a young Moroccan midfielder, signed a new contract until June 2028.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ajax secured the future of Abdellah Ouazane, one of their academy talents, by agreeing on a new deal to keep him at the club for the next three years. The midfielder’s previous contract expired in June, but Ajax offered new terms after interest from European clubs, including Real Madrid, stopped due to medical concerns. Ouazane caught the eye with his performances for Jong Ajax and Morocco’s U17 national team, winning the player of the tournament at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. He is joined by his brother Zakaria, who also signed a fresh deal with Ajax this week, as reported in a previous update confirming that Ajax has signed 16-year-old Abdellah Ouazane, keeping him in Amsterdam.

YOUNG TALENT ON THE RISE

From Ajax’s academy system, Abdellah Ouazane impressed coaches with his skills, vision, and maturity. He played a role in Morocco’s success at the recent U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, guiding them to the trophy and standing out as the tournament’s best player. Despite being only 16, he became a key player for Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie—the second tier of Dutch football—where his playmaking and work rate were praised. His brother Zakaria, also representing Morocco at youth level, featured in the U17 World Cup in Indonesia and grew within Ajax’s ranks.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR AJAX AND OUAZANE?

Ajax’s focus on youth and talent continues with Ouazane’s extension. The club finished last Eredivisie season in second place, reaching the qualifiers of the Champions League. The new season starts next weekend, with Ajax facing Telstar, who are promoted from the Dutch’s second tier. As Ajax rebuilds after finishing second in the Eredivisie, Abdellah and Zakaria Ouazane are expected to play roles in the first-team setup in the coming years. With strong performances, they could become central figures as Ajax aims to close the gap above them in the table and reestablish among the top Dutch teams.