Crystal Palace Academy have confirmed the arrival of Taha Majni from Moroccan club Union Touarga, adding the teenage defender to Darren Powell’s Under-21 squad.
Majni, 18, is the first player to move directly from Morocco’s Botola Pro to a Premier League club. He developed through Touarga’s academy before making his senior debut in June 2025 during the club’s Excellence Cup semi-final win over Wydad Fès.
The versatile defender can operate at either centre-back or right-back. He went on to make 17 senior appearances for Touarga, including 15 last season, when he started 13 matches.
Majni also played a part in Morocco’s Under-20 World Cup success in Chile last year. At 17, he was included in the squad that defeated Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina on the way to Morocco’s first triumph in the competition. He has since moved up to the Under-23 level, winning two caps in March and starting the 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast.
The new signing described himself as a technical defender who enjoys the physical demands of the game. At Palace, he will compete in Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Trophy, while continuing his development with the Under-21s.
Academy director Gary Issott said Majni had combined senior top-flight experience with international success during the 2025/26 season. He added that Palace believe their academy provides the right environment for the defender’s continued progress.
