Young Moroccan striker Yassir Zabiri, aged 21, has become the subject of growing interest from FC Barcelona following a loan spell at Racing Santander. After being relegated from StadeRennais at the end of the 2023‑24 season, the player found his rhythm in Spain, scoring eight goals in ten games and attracting the attention of several Catalan clubs.
Zabiri was recruited by StadeRennais in 2022 for around 10 million euros, but his integration into Ligue1 proved difficult. The loan to Racing Santander, scheduled until June 30, 2027, aimed to offer him more playing time and allow him to regain confidence. Since his arrival in Spain, the player has shown remarkable efficiency, which has increased his estimated value to almost 20 million euros, almost double his initial purchase price.
Barça's sporting director, Deco, would have closely followed Zabiri's performances, as indicated by the Fichajes website. The Catalan club, always looking for young talents capable of strengthening its attack, considers the Moroccan as a promising profile. His age, his ability to adapt to Spanish football and his current performance are all assets that could appeal to Barça leaders.
However, several administrative obstacles could complicate a possible transaction. Zabiri's contract with StadeRennais is valid until 2029, and no purchase option is provided in his current loan. In addition, the player's release clause exceeds 20 million euros, a sum which could be difficult to justify for a club facing financial constraints. Racing Santander, for its part, still benefits from his services until the end of the loan, while StadeRennais retains ownership of the player's rights.
At this point, no official negotiations have been announced. However, if Zabiri continues his momentum, his name could reappear in transfer discussions during the next transfer windows. For StadeRennais, the prospect of a lucrative resale remains attractive, but the club will have to ensure that the young striker's performances are maintained over time before carrying out a major operation.
