Fabrizio Romano: Barcelona in talks to sign Ajax defender for free in the summer

Reputed journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (h/t Reshad Rahman) has claimed that Barcelona have initiated talks to sign AFC Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui in the summer.

The 24-year-old Moroccan international came through the youth ranks at the club and has grown into an ever-present on the right side of the defence for the Dutch giants over the past few seasons.

With 130 appearances under his belt, the right-back has gotten plenty of experience under his belt and has proven himself to be a reliable performer at both ends of the pitch. However, Mazraoui’s contract with the Eredivisie champions expires at the end of the season.

And, all things point towards an exit in the summer on a free transfer, with Barcelona among the clubs keen on signing him up.

Barça have Sergino Dest and Dani Alves at their disposal in the right-back slot currently, while Oscar Mingueza can also fill in when needed. However, the latter is set to be sold at the end of the season by the Catalan giants.

While Dest had also been touted for an exit, the USMNT star has picked up form in recent weeks, which could force a change of heart from the club over his future. At the same time, the Blaugrana are ready to hand Alves a one-year contract extension.

Nevertheless, considering the Brazilian will need to be replaced sooner rather than later, signing Mazraoui, when he is available on a free transfer, would make sense for the La Liga bigwigs.

Barcelona have been in talks with Mino Raiola for Erling Haaland. With the Dutch-Italian super-agent also being Mazraoui’s representatives, discussions over a move for him are also underway. It remains to be seen if the Catalans are successful in their pursuit of the 24-year-old.