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Join on Telegram Rabat – Souffian El Karouani is on the verge of a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, with a deal reportedly worth up to $23 million.
According to a report by Africa Foot, the Saudi club is closing in on signing the Morocco international as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.
The move comes as the Moroccan left-back approaches the end of his current contract with Dutch side FC Utrecht this summer.
While several other clubs have registered serious interest in the defender, the offer from Saudi Arabia makes Al-Qadsiah the favorites to sign him.
Discussions between the two sides are already at an advanced stage, according to converging reports. Negotiations are said to be focused on one main detail, namely the length of the contract.
The Saudi Pro League side is pushing to sign the player to a five-year contract in a bid to secure his future for the long term.
On the other hand, El Karouani prefers a shorter, three-year deal. He wants to keep his options open so he can easily return to a top European league while he is still in his prime.
El Karouani joined FC Utrecht in July 2023 on a free transfer from NEC Nijmegen, signing a three-year contract. After developing through Nijmegen’s youth academy, the Morocco international moved to Utrecht to take the next step in his career, quickly becoming the team’s starting left-back.
The 25-year-old was a standout performer for FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie this season, netting two goals and registering 11 assists in 32 league appearances.
He recorded a total of three goals and 16 assists across all competitions, solidifying his status as one of the most productive defenders in Dutch football.
