Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
Former Coach Compares La Liga Striker to Lamine, Mbappe Amid Barcelona Links

Yassir Zabiri has attracted comparisons with Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal following his impressive performances in Spain, with his former coach believing the Moroccan forward has the qualities to become an outstanding attacking talent.

According to a report by Barca Universal on Monday, November 2, 2026, Mimoun Mokhtari has praised the 21 year old amid growing reports linking him with a potential move to Barcelona.

Zabiri has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, attracting attention with his goalscoring ability, intelligent movement and overall attacking contributions. His performances have reportedly placed him on Barcelona's recruitment radar as the Catalan club continues searching for promising young players.

Under sporting director Deco and Joao Amaral, Barcelona have increasingly explored opportunities to recruit emerging talents from outside their famous La Masia academy. Although the youth system remains central to the club's long term development strategy, the recruitment department has also invested in several promising prospects, including Hamza Abdelkarim, Jesse Bisiwu and Patricio Pacifico.

Zabiri is another youngster believed to have attracted the club's attention following his performances for Racing Santander.

His former coach, Mokhtari, who previously worked with him at Mohammed VI Academy and Union Touarga, admitted that the reports linking him with Barcelona did not come as a surprise.

Mokhtari believes the Moroccan possesses qualities that allow him to be compared with established attacking stars such as Mbappe and Yamal.

The forward has reportedly scored eight goals in 10 La Liga appearances this season while playing on loan from Rennes, demonstrating his growing importance to his current team.

His former coach particularly highlighted his finishing ability, describing him as a hardworking attacker with an exceptional instinct inside the penalty area. He believes Zabiri is capable of converting nine out of ten opportunities when presented with clear chances in dangerous positions.

Mokhtari also praised his movement and understanding of attacking spaces, explaining that the youngster knows when to make runs behind defenders, position himself in open areas and demand the ball from teammates.

These characteristics could make Zabiri an attractive option for Barcelona as they consider strengthening their attacking department with young players capable of developing into future stars.

However, the forward's continued performances, his development at Rennes and the financial conditions of a potential transfer will likely determine whether Barcelona decide to make a formal move for his signature in an upcoming transfer window.

You may like

An Aston Villa star could've been leading Real Madrid's defensive line in 2021

therealchamps.com 6 hours ago

Real Madrid have a €130m problem with Vini Jr – Diomande’s just confirmed it

Hoseph 5 hours ago

"If we had played together" — Luis Figo makes Yamal admission and praises Barcelona youngster

Jorama 2 hours ago

AS Roma explore loan deal with buy option for 23 year old Barcelona academy graduate

Animaaa 4 hours ago

Barcelona set clear conditions for Pedro Porro transfer as Tottenham’s demand emerge

Jorama 32 minutes ago

Real Madrid Consider €120 Million Move for Former Chelsea Midfielder Ahead of 2027

Tarama 8 hours ago

Manchester United make approach for Pablo Barrios move; Arsenal, Chelsea also keen

thehardtackle.com 4 hours ago

Real Madrid Superstar Becomes Undroppable For Mourinho After Seven Wins in Seven Starts

Hoseph 5 hours ago