Crystal Palace Signs Moroccan Defender Taha Mejni
Crystal Palace have moved again in the youth market, landing highly rated Moroccan defender Taha Mejni from Ittihad Touarga as the club continues to sharpen its academy pipeline.
The 18-year-old arrives in south London with real pedigree for his age. He came through the ranks at Ittihad Touarga and broke into the first team in June 2025, making his senior debut in an Excellence Cup semi-final win over Wydad Fez. From there, his rise accelerated.
Palace described him as “a versatile player capable of playing at centre-back or right-back,” noting that he has already featured in 17 matches for the Moroccan club’s senior side, 15 of them last season and 13 as a starter. Those minutes in a demanding first division have clearly caught the eye.
World champion at 17
Mejni was part of Morocco’s historic Under-20 World Cup triumph in Chile last year, helping his country lift the trophy for the first time. At just 17, he played his part in a remarkable run that saw Morocco beat Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina on their way to the title.
That success pushed him quickly up the age groups. He has since stepped into Morocco’s Under-23 setup, earning two caps in March, including a start in a 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast. Competitive, trusted, and already tested on the international stage.
Palace’s plan for him is clear. He will join Darren Powell’s Under-21 squad and is set to feature in Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Trophy, giving him a spread of domestic and European-style fixtures in one hit.
According to the club, Mejni “describes himself as a defender with technical qualities who also enjoys the physical side of the game” – a profile that fits neatly with the Premier League’s demands and Palace’s recent tilt towards aggressive, front-foot football.
“Very excited to begin this new adventure”
After signing his contract, Mejni underlined the size of the move in his own words.
“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.
Inside the academy, there is clear belief that this is the right step at the right time.
Palace academy director Gary Issott said: “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.
“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
While Palace celebrate a coup, Mejni has already drawn a line under a formative chapter of his career with an emotional goodbye to Ittihad Touarga on Instagram.
“After 5 wonderful years, the time has come for me to begin a new and important chapter in my life,” he wrote, before 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 inside the dressing room.
“Many thanks to my team-mates and friends. We shared unforgettable moments, and some of you became like brothers to me,” he continued.
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 said.
He signed off with a final tribute: “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 that new page turns in south London, where Palace’s latest young defender will try to turn youth promise and a world title into something far more demanding: a place in a Premier League back line.
