Crystal Palace Secures Unprecedented Transfer from Morocco
In a groundbreaking move, Crystal Palace has successfully completed a historic transfer from the Moroccan league, marking a significant milestone in football history. On Monday evening, the London-based club officially announced the signing of talented Moroccan defender Taha Majni from Union Touarga. This transfer is particularly noteworthy as Majni, at just 18 years old, becomes the first player to transition directly from the Moroccan league to a Premier League club, showcasing the potential and global reach of emerging football talent.
Taha Majni: A Rising Star in Moroccan Football
Taha Majni's journey began in the youth ranks at Ittihad Touarga, where he developed his skills before making his senior debut in June 2025 during the Excellence Cup semi-final against Wydad Fez. During his time with the first team, Majni demonstrated his versatility as a defender, capable of performing both as a centre-back and a right-back. Over the past season, he participated in 17 matches for his club, starting in 13 of those games, which underscores his integral role in the team's defensive line. His remarkable performance at the Under-20 World Cup last year, where he helped lead Morocco to victory, further solidified his reputation as a promising young talent.
Majni expressed his excitement about joining Crystal Palace, stating, "Crystal Palace is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and around the world. They have achieved a great deal in recent years, so I am very excited to begin this new adventure with the club." He will now join Darren Powell's Under-21 squad to compete in various tournaments, including Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy. Palace academy director Gary Issott praised Majni's skills and experiences, emphasizing that the club provides the ideal environment for his continued development as a player.
Reflecting on his transition, Majni shared an emotional farewell to Union Touarga via Instagram, thanking the club for their support and the valuable experiences gained over five years. He expressed deep gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and the club's community, highlighting the bonds formed during his time there. As he embarks on this new chapter with Crystal Palace, he carries with him the pride of representing his former club and the hope of contributing to his new team's success.
As reported by livescore.com.