On March 30, Barça exercised an option on Khalid Bouzid Stitou’s contract to reclaim the Moroccan international’s federation rights from Santa Coloma Industries. It is confirmed that the Barça team communicated with the player’s representation agency (Proneo Sports) by the stipulated deadline to negotiate a new contract, binding the Colombian winger with the Barça team. The last-minute move by the culés renders the agreement they had with Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares null and void.
Home Town
Five seasons ago, Khalid departed from Barcelona’s reserve team as one of its promising talents to play in the First Division with his hometown team. He was a Spanish Under-19 club champion in 2015 and 2017, and also secured a League title in the Second Division (2016-17) alongside Miquel Feixas and Sergio González. Approaching his 26th birthday, he has emerged as a key player for the Colombo team. Moreover, he has represented Morocco in a World Cup (Lithuania 2021) and remains a fixture for coach Higam Dguig ahead of the Uzbekistan event.
The severe injury to Sergio González prompted Barça to reconsider reclaiming Khalid. The Moncada power forward underwent surgery on March 20 for a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a meniscus injury in his left knee, ruling him out until February 2025. In light of this, Barça team manager Jordi Torras deemed it strategic to preemptively bring back this talented right winger, who had trained in Barcelona’s youth academy for six seasons.
Ironically, this Sunday, Khalid will face Barça with Industrias in an always thrilling Catalan derby, knowing that his future next season lies with Barcelona. The Cologne player never lost hope of returning to the Palau. Initially signing with the Spanish futsal giant in 2019 for three seasons, he renewed for two more in 2022. His contract expired on June 30, allowing him to sign with Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares, but included a preferential option on his federation rights that Barcelona exercised last Saturday.
Return
Khalid’s return to Barça has come as a shock to Manzanares. Quesos El Hidalgo had reached an agreement in February for the next two seasons with the Moroccan international. With a free transfer in hand, coach Juanlu Alonso considered him the ideal replacement for Francisco José Cortés, who moved to Jimbee Cartagena. Now, the team led by Manuel del Salto has to explore other discarded options, as the previously made commitment is now nullified.
Industrias Santa Coloma had been aware for months that they would lose two of their franchise players. As announced, David Peña committed to Mallorca Palma Futsal. Khalid Bouzid had already informed the Colomese general coordinator, Miguel Izquierdo, of his decision not to renew. Hence, the entity chaired by Vicenç García prioritized the continuity of Bernat Povill. The right winger, whose loan from Barça ends this season, pledged his future to the Colombo club until 2026. Similarly, Álex Verdejo also extended his contract until 2025, marking seven seasons in the neighborhood.
