Official: Barcelona announce signing of midfield starlet | OneFootball

La Liga champions Barcelona have this week announced the signing of up-and-coming Belgian-Moroccan starlet Mahdi El Maimouni.

El Maimouni, for his part, is a 17-year-old midfielder, who has spent recent years developing on the books of Belgian outfit Sporting Charleroi.

The youngster chiefly lines out in a deep-lying role, orchestrating play from the base of midfield with poise and technical quality befitting of a player far beyond his tender years.

Such talents have already seen El Maimouni draw comparisons with Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.

The Blaugrana brass, in turn, have long been keeping track of the teen’s progress, with a view to a potential move for his signature. After El Maimouni recently made the call to depart Chaeleroi as a free agent, Deco and co. therefore pounced.

And as alluded to above, on Thursday, negotiations between the two parties have officially borne fruit.

As per a statement across Barca’s social media platforms and website:

‘FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with the player Mahdi El Maimouni for his incorporation into the Club in the youth stage.’

Conor Laird – GSFN