Crystal Palace Sign Moroccan Defender Taha Mejni
Crystal Palace have moved again in the youth market, landing highly rated Moroccan defender Taha Mejni from Ittihad Touarga after his breakout season in the Botola.
The 18-year-old – who came through the ranks at Ittihad Touarga – only made his senior debut in June 2025, stepping into the first team for an Excellence Cup semi-final win over Wydad Fez. Since then his rise has been sharp and decisive.
Palace move for versatile Morocco youth star
Palace describe Mejni as “a versatile player capable of playing at centre-back or right-back,” a defender comfortable on the ball but relishing the physical battle. He has already played 17 times for Ittihad Touarga’s senior side, 15 of those outings coming last season, with 13 as a starter.
That club form followed a stunning year on the international stage.
Mejni was part of Morocco’s historic Under-20 World Cup triumph in Chile last year, a landmark first title for the country. Still only 17 at the time, he helped a fearless Moroccan generation take down Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina on their way to lifting the trophy.
His progress has not slowed. Mejni has stepped up to Morocco’s Under-23s, earning two caps in March, including a start in a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast.
Now he heads to south London, where he will join Darren Powell’s Under-21 squad and test himself in Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Trophy.
“A new adventure” in south London
After signing his contract, Mejni made no attempt to hide what the move means to him.
“Crystal Palace is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and around the world,” he said. “They have achieved a great deal in recent years, so I am very excited to begin this new adventure with the club.”
Inside the academy, there is clear belief that Palace have secured a serious prospect. Academy director Gary Issott underlined just how quickly Mejni has developed.
“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 said.
“He is a multi-talented defender who impressed us with his performances, and we believe Crystal Palace is the right environment for him to continue his development. Welcome, Taha!”
An emotional farewell to Morocco
The move comes at the end of a five-year journey with Ittihad Touarga that has clearly left its mark on the teenager. Mejni posted a heartfelt farewell on Instagram, drawing a line under one chapter before opening another.
“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 words for those who shaped him.
“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,” he added.
The message then turned to the dressing room that became a second family.
“Many thanks to my team-mates and friends. We shared unforgettable moments, and some of you became like brothers to me.”
Gratitude framed every line.
“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 nod to the badge he leaves 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.”
For Palace, that new page is a bet on potential, on a young defender hardened early in senior football and on the international stage. For Mejni, it is the start of a fight to turn youth promise into Premier League reality.
