FC Barcelona have strengthened their academy with the signing of one of Belgium’s most highly rated young midfielders, Mahdi El Maimouni.
A defensive midfielder born in 2009, the Moroccan-Belgiaun starlet has officially joined La Masia after completing his move from Belgian side Sporting Charleroi.
Midfielder with huge potential
Barcelona continue to invest heavily in emerging talent, and El Maimouni is regarded as one of the most promising players of his generation.
Eligible to represent both Belgium and Morocco at international level, the teenager has built a reputation for his tactical intelligence, composure in possession and ability to control the tempo of a game from midfield.
Le Belgo-marocain Mahdi El Maimouni rejoint la Massia du FC Barcelone 🇲🇦 🇧🇪 🇪🇸 ⚽#MahdiElMaimouni #LaMasia #FCBarcelona #maroc #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/NG4nXozCe5
— Yabiladi.com (@yabiladi_fr) July 16, 2026
His performances attracted interest from several leading European clubs before Barça secured his signature, convinced that the youngster fits perfectly into the club’s footballing philosophy.
El Maimouni has been on Barcelona’s radar for some time.
Reports from Belgium first linked the midfielder with the club more than a year ago, with scouts identifying similarities between his playing style and that of former Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets thanks to his positioning, passing range and understanding of the game.
El Maimouni’s international future also remains open. Both Belgium and Morocco continue to monitor his progress closely as they hope to secure his long-term commitment.
Karim Mendikanov: Another international addition for La Masia
El Maimouni becomes the latest international youngster to join Barcelona’s academy.
His arrival follows that of 15-year-old Kazakh winger Karim Mendikanov, who recently moved to La Masia after developing in Catalan football with Sant Cugat FC.
The youngster announced the signing with a post on his Instagram account, posting pictures of himself at the club offices signing his contract.
Mendikanov became the first Kazakh player in Barcelona’s history, and together with El Maimouni’s signing, the club continues to demonstrate its commitment to recruiting elite young talent from around the world as it builds for the future.