Official: Bayern beat Barcelona to Mazraoui transfer
FT Desk
- Updated: 24 May 2022 14:30 BST
- 3 min read
Bayern Munich have beaten Barcelona to the signing of Ajax and Morocco right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
The Bundesliga champions officially announced that they have signed the 24-year-old on a free transfer.
Welcome to #FCBayern, Noussair Mazraoui! 👋🔴⚪#MiaSanMia #ServusMazraoui
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) May 24, 2022
Mazraoui has signed a four-year contract until 2026.
He said: "Straight from the first discussions with FC Bayern, I had a good feeling and I'm excited about joining one of the biggest clubs in Europe. FC Bayern have just become German champions for the tenth year in a row and will be among the contenders to win the Champions League again next season. I've chosen this club because I can win the biggest titles here."
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn added: "Noussair Mazraoui is the next building block as we continue to strengthen our team in a targeted way. We have big aims again for the new season, and players such as Noussair Mazraoui increase our options. We're also looking forward to taking on the Champions League again with him and we want to celebrate a lot of successes together in the coming years."
Mazraoui starred for Ajax under Erik ten Hag this season, contributing five goals and four assists from right-back as the Amsterdam club won the Dutch Eredivisie and reached the last 16 of the Champions League.
Netherlands-born, Mazraoui came through the famed Ajax youth academy and made 137 appearances for the club despite only turning 24 in November.
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Barcelona also tried to sign Mazraoui, with manager Xavi seemingly unsure of his first choice in the position - having used Dano Alves, Sergino Dest, Oscar Mingueza and others in the position at the Camp Nou this season.
Mazraoui has good prospects of getting a run in his preferred position in Bayern’s first team too, though. Bouna Sarr has not impressed since arriving from Marseille, and while Benjamin Pavard is a World Cup-winning right-back with France, club bosses plan to use him as a centre-back next season.
More Ajax players to Bayern?
Mazraoui’s signing could also pave the way for Ryan Gravenberch to join him. The Dutch international midfielder is in advanced talks with Bayern.
A third Ajax player – Sebastien Haller – has also been linked with Bayern should they fail to hold onto star striker Robert Lewandowski this summer.
