Bayern Signs Morocco’s Mazraoui on Free Transfer from Ajax

Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui runs during the Dutch Eredivisie premier league match between Ajax and Heerenveen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (AP)
Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui runs during the Dutch Eredivisie premier league match between Ajax and Heerenveen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (AP)
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Bayern Signs Morocco’s Mazraoui on Free Transfer from Ajax

Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui runs during the Dutch Eredivisie premier league match between Ajax and Heerenveen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (AP)
Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui runs during the Dutch Eredivisie premier league match between Ajax and Heerenveen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (AP)

Bayern Munich picked up Morocco right back Noussair Mazraoui on a free transfer from Ajax on Tuesday in the club’s first signing of the offseason.

The Bavarian club said in a statement that the 24-year-old Mazraoui signed a four-year deal through June 2026. There’s no transfer fee due to Ajax because his contract was to expire.

"Mazraoui is the next building block as we continue to strengthen our team in a targeted way," Bayern chief executive Oliver Kahn said. "We have big aims again for the new season."

Bayern won the Bundesliga for a record-extending 10th consecutive season this year but disappointed in the Champions League and German Cup.

Mazraoui joined the Ajax academy in 2013 and made his first-team debut in 2018. He made 137 competitive appearances for the Dutch team, scoring 10 goals. Mazraoui has also scored once in 12 appearances for the Moroccan national team.

Bayern had been looking for a defender for the right side of the field since Hansi Flick was coach before Julian Nagelsmann took over ahead of last season. Nagelsmann can now move French defender Benjamin Pavard, who had been playing on the right, back into his preferred central position.

Bayern had a vacancy there since Niklas Süle opted to move to Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.

Bayern is also reportedly working on bringing in 19-year-old midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from Ajax. Gravenberch’s contract runs through June 2023, however, meaning the clubs will need to agree to a transfer fee.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer extended his contract with the Bavarian club to 2024 on Monday.



FIFA Announces Details to Apply for World Cup Tickets

 13 July 2025, US, East Rutherford: US President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. (dpa)
13 July 2025, US, East Rutherford: US President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. (dpa)
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FIFA Announces Details to Apply for World Cup Tickets

 13 July 2025, US, East Rutherford: US President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. (dpa)
13 July 2025, US, East Rutherford: US President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. (dpa)

Applications for tickets for the 2026 World Cup open Sept. 10, FIFA said Tuesday.

The next edition of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, kicks off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11.

Soccer's world governing body FIFA said that due to anticipated high demand tickets would be released in phases.

It did not say if it would use dynamic pricing, as was the case for the Club World Cup, which saw ticket prices fluctuate wildly.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. "We encourage fans everywhere to get ready to secure their place — these will be the most coveted seats in world sport."