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Highly rated Moroccan defender responds to Barcelona links

Noussair Mazraoui
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While acknowledging the reports for the first time, Noussair Mazraoui insists he has signed no deal with Barcelona as of now.

Ajax full-back Noussair Mazraoui has played down suggestions that he is on the verge of joining Barcelona.

The 24-year-old will be available as a free agent once his Ajax contract expires in the summer. Reports have linked him with moves to AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. However, Barcelona are believed to be the favorites for securing his signature.

‘I’ve still not signed anything with Barca’

But while speaking after Ajax’s Champions League exit to Benfica on Tuesday, Mazraoui insisted he is far from sealing a Camp Nou move at the moment.

“I’ve still not signed anything with Barcelona,” the Dutch-born Moroccan told RTL7.

“There’s nothing concrete, nor am I close to [signing]. If it was the opposite, I would be honest and I would say.”

What next for Ajax?

Darwin Nunez’s 77th-minute sealed Benfica a surprise 1-0 win in Amsterdam on Tuesday. The strike in the second leg ensured the Portuguese side progressed to the quarter-finals, at Ajax’s expense, with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Erik ten Hag’s side return to action on Sunday to take on Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. The league leaders enter the contest as firm favorites. Bet365 has priced a home win at 1.40, at the time of writing, which suggests they have a 71% chance of taking all three points.

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