Barcelona has officially made an opening proposal to Ajax defender Nouassir Mazraoui, according to Fabrizio Romano. Mazraoui is set to leave Ajax as a free agent this summer and has also been approached by AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. The race is heating up for the player’s signature, but it seems as if Barcelona are pushing forward with their first contact. He isn’t the only player they’re trying to sign this summer, as they’ve registered interest with the likes of Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen too.
Barcelona Make Move for Ajax Defender Nouassir Mazraoui
The Player and the Fit
Mazraoui features as the starting right-back for Ajax. He’s been a main fixture on the squad since 2018 and was an integral piece during the club’s Champions League run in the 2018/19 season.
There’s a lot to like in Mazraoui’s game. One of the most attractive features, however, is his attacking capability as a defender. In 20 Eredivisie matches this season, the player has scored five goals and provided two assists. In seven Champions League matches, he also provided two assists. Statistics-wise, Mazraoui is in the midst of his best season yet. This coincides well with his contract being up this coming summer.
Barcelona’s full-back core includes Jordi Alba, Dani Alves, Sergino Dest, and Oscar Mingueza who isn’t always a full-back but can play the position. As is the case with Sergi Roberto, a midfielder, who can also play right-back.
Alves is aging and his future is up in the air. Alba isn’t at the age of Alves just yet, but he’s not getting any younger. Dest is a promising talent but he can certainly improve. Although Dest is named a right-back, he can slot in at left-back with ease. Mazraoui fits as a young right-back who can learn under Alves.
This last summer showed Barcelona’s financial woes. They’re making clear approaches with free agents, however, and Mazraoui is part of this plan.
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