Moroccan talents sign professional contracts with Southampton and Monaco

Three young Moroccan football talents have signed their first professional contracts with European clubs. Younes Linton, a 17-year-old midfielder, has signed a three-year deal with Southampton FC, joining their under-18 squad to continue his development within the English club's system.

In France, AS Monaco has secured the professional futures of Safwan Benzahr and Naël Haddani with contracts running until June 30, 2029. Benzahr, an 18-year-old attacking midfielder, has already gained first-team experience, including appearances in the UEFA Conference League and Ligue 1 against Paris Saint-Germain.

Naël Haddani, a striker born in 2008, has also joined Monaco's elite group following a prolific period in youth football, including scoring 22 goals in the French national U17 championship and performing strongly for Morocco in the 2025 U17 World Cup.