Top News

Officially, an unprecedented transfer has been completed from the Moroccan league to the Premier League.

Crystal Palace completed what has been described as an "unprecedented" deal from the Moroccan league on Monday evening.

The London club announced the transfer in an official statement on its website, saying: "The Crystal Palace Academy is pleased to confirm the signing of Moroccan player Taha Majni from Moroccan club Union Touarga."

Why is it a first? The 18-year-old "has become the first player to move directly from the Moroccan league to a Premier League club".

Taha Majni: a promising beginning for Morocco's rising talent.

Majni progressed through the youth system at Ittihad Touarga before making his senior debut in June 2025, when he appeared in their Excellence Cup semi-final victory over Wydad Fez.

The English club said he is "a versatile player capable of playing at centre-back or right-back, and has featured in 17 matches for the senior team of his Moroccan club, 15 of them last season, including 13 as a starter. He was also part of Morocco's historic Under-20 World Cup triumph in Chile last year, helping his country win the title for the first time".

At just 17, he was part of the Morocco youth side that defeated Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina on the way to lifting the title. Majni has since stepped up to Morocco's Under-23 team, where he played two international matches in March. That spell included a start in the 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast.

A versatile defender.

The statement added: "Majni describes himself as a defender with technical qualities who also enjoys the physical side of the game, and he will now join Darren Powell's Under-21 side to compete in Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup, and the EFL Trophy."

Majni said after signing: "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."

Palace academy director Gary Issott shared the same excitement, saying: "Taha enjoyed an excellent 25-26 season and gained valuable experience in the Moroccan first division, and he helped Morocco win the Under-20 World Cup at just 17 years old."

He added: "He is a multi-talented defender who impressed us with his performances, and we believe Crystal Palace is the right environment for him to continue his development. Welcome, Taha!"

A farewell message: "the story continues".

Taha Majni bid an emotional farewell to Union Touarga in a message, writing: "After 5 wonderful years, the time has come for me to begin a new and important chapter in my life."

He continued: "I thank the club for its trust in me, for the opportunities it gave me, and for all the memories that helped me grow, both on and off the pitch. I also extend my thanks to my coaches for their advice, their patience and their trust, which helped me grow as a player and as a person."

Speaking about his bond in the dressing room, he went on: "Many thanks to my team-mates and friends. We shared unforgettable moments, and some of you became like brothers to me."

Gratitude remained at the heart of the rest of his message. "I leave feeling a great deal of gratitude, pride and beautiful memories. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and to those who continue to keep the club's spirit alive every day," he stressed.

He ended his message by saying: "Thank you for everything, Ittihad Tanger. I will always be proud to have worn these colours. A new page opens, but the story continues. Forever grateful."