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.



Guardiola Hears Boos at Oasis Concert in Manchester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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Guardiola Hears Boos at Oasis Concert in Manchester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Some Oasis fans weren't quite “mad fer it” when the band dedicated a song to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola at a homecoming concert.

A smattering of boos followed Liam Gallagher dedicating “D'You Know What I Mean?” to “the greatest manager of all time, the one and only Pep Guardiola" — who was in attendance, The AP news reported.

It occurred Friday night at Heaton Park during the band's first concert in Manchester in 16 years as part of its reunion tour.

Noel Gallagher then asked: “Who you booing?”

The brothers, who grew up in Manchester and are longtime City fans, have attended many games over the years as Guardiola has guided the club to six Premier League titles — among an array of other trophies.

Guardiola, who received some respectful applause as well, didn't seem to mind the razzing — likely from crosstown Man United fans at the show — and joined the rest of the 70,000-plus fans in singing “Don't Look Back in Anger.”