Ajax Signs Moroccan-Belgian Prodigy Rayane Bounida to First Team

Bounida arrived at Ajax Amsterdam in 2022 from Anderlecht. The Belgian player of Moroccan origin has played in the lower categories of the Dutch club, whose management has decided not to extend his contract, which expired last month. But last week, Ajax entered into negotiations with Bounida and an agreement was reached this week, we learn. The club management and the young player are finalizing the details for his integration into the first team.

The 18-year-old winger is currently shining with Jong Ajax. In eight appearances with the reserve team, he has scored five goals. The Moroccan-origin prodigy is in the plans of coach Francesco Farioli. "We are very happy that Rayane has extended his contract with Ajax. The discussions took time, but we are very satisfied that Rayane believes in our sports project and that the agreement fits into the new reality of Ajax," said Marijn Beuker, the club’s manager.

A very technical player, Rayane seduces the leaders of Ajax. "Thanks to his game intelligence, his creativity and his sense of positioning, he embodies our vision of talent. Rayane went through a difficult period at the beginning of his time in Amsterdam, during which he had to show patience and work hard. In recent months, he has taken fantastic steps that have led him from the Ajax U19 to Jong Ajax, then to Ajax 1. We look forward to his continued progress within Ajax."