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 after his breakout season in the Botola Pro.
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 in an Excellence Cup semi-final win over Wydad Fez. Since then his rise has been sharp and rapid.
Palace, announcing the deal, described Mejni as “a versatile player capable of playing at centre-back or right-back,” noting that he has already featured in 17 senior matches for the Moroccan club, 15 of them last season and 13 as a starter. Those minutes in a demanding league, at his age, clearly caught the eye in south London.
The defender’s pedigree at international level is just as striking. Mejni was part of Morocco’s historic Under-20 World Cup triumph in Chile last year, helping his country win the title for the first time. At just 17, he faced and beat Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina on the way to lifting the trophy – a run that has transformed the reputation of that Moroccan generation.
His progress has not slowed. Mejni has already stepped up to Morocco’s Under-23 side, playing two internationals in March, including a start in a 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast. For a teenager, these are serious tests passed early.
Now he crosses continents. Palace confirmed that Mejni, who “describes himself as a defender with technical qualities who also enjoys the physical side of the game”, will link up with Darren Powell’s Under-21 squad. He is set to feature in Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Trophy – a demanding mix of youth, European-style and senior lower-league opposition.
“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 the club’s view of the defender’s trajectory: “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’s verdict on the signing was unequivocal. “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!”
While Palace celebrated their new arrival, Mejni was also closing a deeply personal chapter. On Instagram he posted a long, emotional farewell to Ittihad Touarga, the club that shaped him.
“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 closest to him in the dressing room. “Many thanks to my team-mates and friends. We shared unforgettable moments, and some of you became like brothers to me.”
The message was steeped in gratitude. “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 added, before signing off with a final salute: “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.”
From Rabat to south London, from a first cup semi-final to the cut and thrust of Premier League 2, Mejni’s next steps will show whether this is just a promising youth signing – or the start of a defender’s long-term journey into the Palace first team.
