FC Barcelona have pulled off a summer coup by signing free agent Mahdi El Maimouni, the 17-year-old Moroccan midfielder from Belgian side Sporting Charleroi. The Catalan club announced the deal on social media, confirming his arrival to their youth setup. Barça sit top of La Liga with 94 points and 31 wins from the 2025-26 season, though their last result was a 3-1 loss at Valencia on May 23.
Who is Mahdi El Maimouni?
Born in Brussels on June 30, 2009, El Maimouni has impressed at Charleroi as a deep-lying playmaker. His style has already drawn comparisons to a left-footed version of Sergio Busquets, a profile that fits Barça’s technical blueprint perfectly. The young Moroccan, who could also choose to represent Belgium or Morocco internationally, was named Belgium’s ‘Best Young Talent’ at the Lion d’Or awards.
Barça had tracked him for two seasons and pipped clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Newcastle United to his signature. The move arrives at a pivotal time for the club as it looks to bolster its youth ranks with prospects who can step up to the first team.
Why this signing matters for Barça
Bringing in El Maimouni strengthens Barça’s midfield pipeline, a department the club has prioritized in recent years. With Frenkie de Jong currently sidelined, the club needs young options who can step in. The Moroccan teen, who already posted photos of his visit to Barça’s museum on social media, is a long-term bet for the club’s sporting project.
The signing also comes as Barça hold an eight-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga. Though the side has lost its last two games, adding talent like El Maimouni can help keep them competitive domestically and in Europe.
What’s next for Mahdi El Maimouni at Barça?
El Maimouni will join Barça’s youth ranks, where he’ll develop under the club’s structure. His adjustment to Spanish football will be critical after his Belgian experience. Barça, who closed the 2025-26 season with 95 goals scored and 36 conceded, continue to build around youth prospects who can step up.
The club, which has gone two wins and three losses in its last five games, is betting on its academy as the backbone of its project. With El Maimouni on board, Barça take another step toward building a competitive squad for the seasons ahead.
