A key Ajax star midfielder is on the verge of a sensational Barcelona transfer as personal terms near completion.
The Dutch club faces a familiar challenge of holding onto one of their brightest young prospects, with La Liga giants circling a technically gifted teenager whose creativity and versatility have lit up Eredivisie matches.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have intensified their interest, viewing him as a perfect long-term investment for their ambitious projects.
That player is 19-year-old Rayane Bounida, a Belgian-born attacking midfielder of Moroccan heritage who has already made 13 senior appearances for Ajax, contributing one goal and five assists, as reported by AS.
Originally from Anderlecht’s academy before joining Ajax in 2022, Bounida has earned praise from Jose Mourinho and impressed with his chance creation, vision, and ability to thrive in the final third.
Barcelona sees him as an ideal fit for Hansi Flick’s system, while Real Madrid’s interest adds extra spice to the Clasico rivalry.
The Catalans have ramped up scouting efforts, compiling detailed reports on his contract situation—he’s tied down until 2028—and potential development path.
Ajax remains calm, focused on nurturing the youngster they consider one of Europe’s most thrilling talents, but major clubs across the continent are positioning themselves strategically.
Barcelona’s economic challenges mean any move would likely target summer 2026, allowing time to structure finances creatively amid competition from Premier League suitors.
For Bounida, the attention validates his rapid rise, blending technical finesse with maturity beyond his years.
Ajax’s famed academy continues producing stars, but history suggests holding onto such gems proves difficult when Barcelona enters the fray.
The club that nurtured Frenkie de Jong now risks losing another midfield orchestrator, while Barcelona aims to bolster its youth pipeline alongside Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí.
As monitoring turns to concrete planning, Bounida stands at the centre of what could become one of 2026’s most intriguing transfer sagas.
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