Yasser Zabiri's Stellar Performance in Spanish Football
Yasser Zabiri, the talented Moroccan striker, is making waves in the early stages of the Spanish La Liga season, showcasing remarkable scoring prowess while donning the Racing Santander jersey. With an impressive tally of 8 goals in just 10 matches, the 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the league, positioning himself among the most effective forwards, competing against renowned names such as Kylian Mbappé and Raphinha. His outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed, particularly by Barcelona's sports director, Deco, who is reportedly keeping a close eye on Zabiri's development with an eye toward a potential transfer in the upcoming transfer windows.
Zabiri did not initially start the season as a key player in coach José Alberto López's lineup, as he was initially behind striker Asier Villalibre in the pecking order. However, his consistent goal-scoring and impressive contributions on the pitch have allowed him to secure his place in the starting eleven, transforming into one of the team's key offensive weapons. His latest goal came against Espanyol, where he netted a crucial strike in the dying minutes of the match, sealing a 2-1 victory for Racing Santander and providing the team with three invaluable points after a string of disappointing results.
The Moroccan forward has previously found the net against Barcelona at the iconic Spotify Camp Nou, despite his team suffering a heavy 2-7 defeat in that match. Nevertheless, it was a personal dream fulfilled for him, as he had long admired the club since his childhood. His interest from Barcelona goes beyond just his goal-scoring records; they are also impressed by his young age and adaptability to the Spanish football environment, making him a viable option to bolster the Catalan side's attack.
Transfer Complications for Barcelona
However, securing a deal for Zabiri will not be straightforward due to his association with French club Rennes, which acquired him from Famalicão for approximately €10 million (around $10.8 million). He is currently on loan at Racing Santander until June 30, 2027, without an option for a permanent transfer included in the loan agreement. Zabiri's contract with Rennes extends until 2029, with a current market value estimated at around €20 million (approximately $21.6 million), alongside a buyout clause exceeding this amount, as reported.
The French club retains the right to determine the player's future and cannot recall him until the end of his current loan period, complicating any potential move during the winter transfer window. This places the summer of 2027 as a more realistic timeframe for any possible action from Barcelona. Zabiri has not concealed his admiration for Barcelona, having expressed a long-standing connection to the club since his youth, citing legends like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Antoine Griezmann as players he idolized and emulated.
His stellar performances with the Moroccan national team during the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which Morocco won, further solidified his reputation on the football scene, finishing as the tournament's top scorer and paving the way for his move to Rennes. As he continues to excel in La Liga, Barcelona may see in the Moroccan striker a promising option for the future; however, the finalization of any deal will hinge on Rennes' stance and financial conditions, as well as Zabiri's ability to maintain his scoring form in the coming stages.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
