Ismael Baouf: Dutch side SC Cambuur to cash in on enterprising youngster

Dutch second tier side, SC Cambuur are set to cash in on Morocco youngster, Ismaël Baouf in the next transfer window.

SC Cambuur head coach Henk de Jong makes no secret of his admiration for the 19-year-old defender who has featured for Morocco at the U-20 level.

Ismaël Baouf has received his first call-up to the preliminary selection of the Moroccan national team 🇲🇦🏆

His strong displays at the U20 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Morocco’s championship-winning run, have earned him recognition from head coach Walid Regragui… pic.twitter.com/5lF09oYf6m

— 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 | 𝗠𝗙𝗡 (@MFN_TW) October 26, 2025

The Dutch manager believes the player shouldn’t stay in Leeuwarden much longer after the season ends considering his output.

Currently second in the Eerste Divisie, Cambuur is well-positioned for promotion to the Eredivisie, a feat that could increase the market value of Baouf according to De Jong.

Baouf won  FIFA U-20 FIFA World Cup

Baouf, who has represented Belgium at various youth levels up to the under-19 level, has been a true revelation of the league this season with his performances, even being named Player of the Year for the third time of the season.

He boasts impressive statistics for a defender, with six goals scored from 21 league appearances this campaign.

Under contract with Cambuur until 2028, Baouf is already attracting the attention of several major clubs including AFC Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, AZ Alkmaar, Feyenoord and Bundesliga side Borissia Dortmund who are reportedly monitoring his progress.

Dutch analyst Hans Kraay Jr. also expects the player to leave this summer. De Jong even mentioned a potential transfer fee: “If we get promoted, it will take at least five million euros to even consider his transfer.”

Baouf was a key figure in Morocco U-20’s run up to winning Africa’s second World Cup after beating Argentina 2-0 in the finals in Chile.