Crystal Palace Signs Moroccan Defender Taha Mejni

Crystal Palace have moved again in the youth market, snapping up highly rated Moroccan defender Taha Mejni from Ittihad Touarga after a breakout season in his homeland.

The 18-year-old – who can operate at centre-back or right-back – arrives in south London with a growing reputation and a winners’ medal from Morocco’s historic Under-20 World Cup triumph in Chile last year.

From Touarga to South London

Mejni rose through the ranks at Ittihad Touarga and made his senior debut in June 2025, stepping onto the pitch in an Excellence Cup semi-final victory over Wydad Fez. That taste of first-team football quickly turned into something more substantial.

By the end of last season he had 17 senior appearances for the Moroccan club, 15 of them coming in the 2025-26 campaign, including 13 starts. Palace’s recruitment team saw enough: a teenager trusted as a regular in a top-flight back line, comfortable both centrally and on the right.

The club described him as “a versatile player capable of playing at centre-back or right-back,” highlighting his blend of technical quality and appetite for the physical contest. That mix fits neatly with the profile Palace have targeted in recent years.

World champion at 17

His rise has not been confined to club football. At just 17, Mejni played his part in Morocco’s stunning Under-20 World Cup win in Chile, the country’s first-ever title at that level.

That squad beat Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina on their way to lifting the trophy, a statement run that has sharpened interest in Moroccan youth talent across Europe. Mejni emerged from that campaign as one of the defenders to watch.

He has already stepped up to Morocco’s Under-23s, featuring in two internationals in March. One of those was a start in a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast, more evidence that his development curve is steep and still climbing.

Palace’s plan for Mejni

Mejni now links up with Darren Powell’s Under-21 side and will be thrown into a demanding schedule: Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Trophy all lie ahead.

The club say the young defender “describes himself as a defender with technical qualities who also enjoys the physical side of the game,” a profile that should translate well to English football’s tempo and intensity.

After signing his contract, Mejni made no attempt to hide the scale of the move in his mind.

“Crystal Palace is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and around the world. They have achieved a great deal in recent years, so I am very excited to begin this new adventure with the club,” he said.

Palace academy director Gary Issott underlined why the club pushed to get the deal done.

“Taha enjoyed an excellent 25-26 season and gained valuable experience in the Moroccan first division, and he helped Morocco win the Under-20 World Cup at just 17 years old,” Issott noted, calling him “a multi-talented defender” who has already impressed the club’s staff.

Issott was clear about the next step: Palace believe they can turn potential into Premier League readiness.

“We believe Crystal Palace is the right environment for him to continue his development. Welcome, Taha!”

An emotional farewell

While Palace look ahead, Mejni took time to look back. Before making the switch, he posted a heartfelt goodbye to Ittihad Touarga on Instagram, closing the chapter on five formative years.

“After 5 wonderful years, the time has come for me to begin a new and important chapter in my life,” he wrote, thanking the club “for its trust in me, for the opportunities it gave me, and for all the memories that helped me grow, both on and off the pitch.”

He reserved special mention for the people behind his progress: “I also extend my thanks to my coaches for their advice, their patience and their trust, which helped me grow as a player and as a person.”

Then came a message to the dressing room he leaves behind.

“Many thanks to my team-mates and friends. We shared unforgettable moments, and some of you became like brothers to me.”

The farewell carried a tone of pride as much as nostalgia.

“I leave feeling a great deal of gratitude, pride and beautiful memories. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and to those who continue to keep the club's spirit alive every day,” he wrote.

He signed off with a final salute to the badge he has just left behind:

“Thank you for everything, Ittihad Tanger. I will always be proud to have worn these colours. A new page opens, but the story continues. Forever grateful.”

Now the new page is Crystal Palace. The question is how quickly this young World Cup winner can turn promise into presence in English football’s unforgiving spotlight.