According to recent reports, Manchester City have joined four other premier league clubs in the race for Ajax’s star player, who is set to be a free agent soon.
The player in question is 24-year old Moroccan international full-back Noussair Mazraoui.
Mazraoui has been a regular in Ajax’s first team since 2017-18, racking up over 100 appearances for the Dutch champions.
He joined Ajax’s youth side Jong Ajax as a teenager and then quickly earned a spot in the first team, now becoming an integral member of the team. He also played a very important role in Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-final during the 18/19 season.
Mazraoui’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and this has prompted interest from clubs all around the world. Arsenal, Leeds United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Brighton are some of the other clubs interested in the pacy full-back.
Mazraoui joins several stars whose contracts are coming to an end this season and Pep Guardiola and Manchester City believe that signing him on a free transfer potentially is too good of a deal to turn down.
His attacking ability and forward-thinking mindset would be perfect for Manchester City’s set up and he would fit right into the squad.
With Kyle Walker not getting any younger and Joao Cancelo moving to the left-hand side, maybe it is time for Pep Guardiola to bring in another Right back.
City are also linked with a move for Frenkie De Jong and Mathias De Ligt, also ex-Ajax stars. If Mazaraoui and one of the fore-mentioned stars are signed, they could help each other settle into the club.
After a failed transfer for Nuno Mendes over the summer, Benjamin Mendy still in jail and Zinchenko linked with a move away from the club, can we see Manchester City signing Mazraoui in the recent future? If not, who else do you think Manchester City should sign to add depth to their fullback position?