Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Moroccan youth international Mohamed Habib Zinebi, with the 16-year-old left-back joining the Spanish club from Belgian side Anderlecht on a free transfer.
The Spanish club have committed to a long-term development plan for Zinebi, handing the young defender a contract that runs until 30 June 2031.
Atletico announced the signing on their official website, confirming that they had reached an agreement to bring the Moroccan into their academy structure after convincing him to continue his development in Madrid.
The move represents an important step in Zinebi’s young career and gives him the opportunity to develop within one of Spain’s most prominent football clubs.
Atletico are understood to be investing in the teenager’s potential rather than expecting an immediate first-team contribution.
From Anderlecht academy to Madrid
Born on 17 November 2009, Zinebi developed through Anderlecht’s academy in Belgium.
It was there that he received his early football education and began attracting attention for his performances as a left-back.
His progress eventually led to interest from Atletico, who successfully persuaded the youngster to leave Belgium and move to the Spanish capital.
The transfer was completed without a fee, but the length of Zinebi’s contract illustrates Atletico’s belief in his potential.
With the agreement running until the summer of 2031, the club have given themselves a lengthy period in which to oversee his development and determine how far he can progress within their system.
Zinebi’s immediate focus will be on adapting to Spanish football and becoming familiar with the demands of his new environment.
He is expected to work through Atletico’s different youth categories as he develops both technically and physically.
Morocco experience adds to his profile
Zinebi has already gained international experience despite his young age.
The teenager has represented Morocco at under-17 level and has featured in competitions with the country’s youth national team.
His performances have helped establish him as one of the players attracting attention within Morocco’s youth setup.
One of his notable achievements came during the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, when he was named player of the match in Morocco’s meeting with Cameroon.
That recognition underlines the role he has begun to play within the Atlas Lions’ youth ranks and provides Atletico with another indication of his potential.
His international experience could also help him adjust to the demands of playing for a major European club, although his development remains at an early stage.
Atletico’s long-term investment
The move to Atletico provides Zinebi with the opportunity to experience a new footballing environment after spending his formative years in Belgium.
The Moroccan will now be expected to continue working on different aspects of his game as he progresses through the club’s youth structure.
For Atletico, the signing is another investment in a young player who has already demonstrated promise at academy and international level.
The club’s decision to offer Zinebi a contract lasting until 2031 indicates that they see his development as a long-term project rather than a short-term acquisition.
At 16, the Moroccan defender has considerable time to improve before he is expected to challenge for a place in Atletico’s senior side.
His path to the first team is therefore likely to be gradual, with his performances in the youth categories determining how quickly he advances.
For Zinebi, the move represents the beginning of a new chapter in Spain. Having developed at Anderlecht and represented Morocco at youth level, he now has the opportunity to continue his education at Atletico Madrid.
The teenager will hope to use the next stages of his career to develop his abilities, gain experience and eventually move closer to the Spanish club’s first team.
Atletico, meanwhile, will be hoping their investment in the Moroccan youngster develops into a successful long-term project.
