Monaco have handed Tunisian-French teenager Najd Ajroud his first professional contract after the 18-year-old chose to represent France at youth international level rather than Tunisia.
The French club announced on Tuesday that Ajroud was among four academy players to sign professional deals, alongside Moroccan youngsters Safouane Ben Zahra and Nahil El Haddani and Frenchman Melvin Gomes da Vega.
Ajroud’s contract runs until 30 June 2029, marking the latest stage of his development at a club where he has been trained since joining its academy at a young age.
Born in Grasse on 16 January 2008 to a Tunisian father and French mother, Ajroud has emerged as one of the promising players in Monaco’s academy.
His professional contract follows an impressive campaign with the club’s Under-19 side. Ajroud and his team-mates reached the semi-finals of the French Championship, performances which helped earn the four academy players the attention of Monaco’s first-team coaching staff.
The youngsters have also been given an opportunity to train with the senior squad after Brazilian coach Filipe Luis opened the door for them to work alongside the first team.
Ajroud chooses France over Tunisia
Ajroud’s professional agreement comes shortly after he made a decision over his international future at youth level.
The teenager accepted an invitation from France’s Under-19 team last week, despite efforts from the Tunisian Football Federation to convince him to represent the Eagles of Carthage.
His Tunisian heritage comes through his father, while his development has taken place within the French football system. That combination made him one of the dual-nationality players being monitored by the Tunisian federation.
However, Ajroud has now opted to join the French Under-19 squad.
His decision at youth level does not necessarily determine which country he will represent at senior level in the future, but it represents his current international choice as he continues his development.
Monaco preparing Ajroud for senior football
The signing of the contract is another indication of Monaco’s plans for Ajroud, who is part of a group of academy prospects being monitored as potential first-team players.
Moroccan team-mate Safouane Ben Zahra has already made appearances for Monaco’s senior side in official matches. Ajroud, El Haddani and Gomes da Vega are still waiting for their first opportunities at the highest level.
For Ajroud, the agreement until 2029 provides a longer-term platform to continue his development at Monaco while he works towards making the transition into senior football.
The teenager now faces the next stage of his career with his club future secured and his immediate international pathway pointing towards France.
His progress at Monaco will determine how quickly he can move closer to the first team, while his international career remains at an early stage following his decision to represent France at Under-19 level.
