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FBL-WC-U20-2025-MAR-FRAAFP
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Officially: an unprecedented deal from the Moroccan league to the Premier League

Crystal Palace have pulled off an "unprecedented" piece of business via the Moroccan league, the English club announced on Monday evening.

The London side confirmed the move in an official statement on their website, which read: "Crystal Palace Academy is delighted to confirm the signing of Moroccan player Taha Majni from the Moroccan club Union Touarga."

And it really is a first of its kind. The 18-year-old "has become the first player to move directly from the Moroccan league to a Premier League club".



  • Mejni came up through the youth ranks at Ittihad Tanger before making his first-team debut in June 2025, featuring in their win over Wydad Fes in the semi-final of the Excellence Cup.

    The English club said he is "versatile, able to play in the centre-back position or at right-back, and has played 17 matches with the first 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 claim the title for the first time".

    Aged seventeen, he lined up in the Morocco youth squad that beat Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina en route to the title. Mejni has since stepped up to the Morocco Under-23 side, playing two internationals in March and starting the 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast.

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  • A versatile defender

    The statement continued: "Mejni 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-21s to compete in Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup, and the EFL Trophy."

    Mejni said after signing the contract: "Crystal Palace is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and around the world. They have achieved a lot in recent years, so I am very excited to start this new adventure with the club."

    Crystal Palace academy director Gary Issott added: "Taha enjoyed an excellent 25-26 season, gaining valuable experience in the Moroccan top flight and helping Morocco win the Under-20 World Cup at just 17 years old."

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

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  • The farewell message: "the story continues"

    Taha Majni bid farewell to his club Ittihad Touarga with a moving message via Instagram, writing on his account: "After 5 wonderful years, it is time for me to begin a new and important chapter in my life."

    "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," he added. "I also extend my thanks to my coaches for their advice, patience and trust, which helped me grow as a player and as a person."

    Turning to those closest to him, he went on: "Many thanks to my team-mates and friends. We shared unforgettable moments, and some of you became like brothers to me."

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



    Majni signed off with a final tribute: "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."

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