Moroccan prospect Mahdi El Maimouni joins Barcelona's La Masia

Moroccan youth prospect Mahdi El Maimouni has signed with FC Barcelona, leaving Belgian side Sporting Charleroi to join La Masia, the Catalan club's renowned youth academy, according to Belgian outlet Walfoot.

Born in 2009, the midfielder is regarded as one of Belgium's brightest young talents and was named Best Young Talent at the Lion d'Or 2024 awards. Barcelona had been monitoring El Maimouni since 2024, attracted by his versatility and vision, while PSV, Newcastle and several English clubs had also shown interest.

The Moroccan-eligible youngster, who has represented Belgium at youth level, has yet to decide his international sporting future, with both Morocco and Belgium remaining options.