Trabzonspor are edging closer to signing Moroccan midfielder Benjamin Bouchouari from AS Saint-Étienne, with negotiations between the two clubs reportedly advancing.
According to Foot Mercato, ASSE received a $3 million bid earlier this week for the 23-year-old, which was swiftly turned down. The French club are said to be holding out for around $5 million.
Turkish journalist Safa Can Konuksever claimed: “Trabzonspor’s latest offer reaches $3.5 million, including bonuses. The difference is now around $1 million. An agreement could be reached by the end of the week.”
Bouchouari, who joined Les Verts from Dutch side Roda in August 2022 for $1.1 million, has one year remaining on his contract. He has not featured in any of Saint-Étienne’s pre-season fixtures since the squad returned to training.
The midfielder has played 96 matches for ASSE, 70 of them as a starter. Despite flashes of potential, he has struggled to establish himself in the side and deliver consistent performances fully.
According to Kuzey Ekspres, both clubs are “close to an agreement” and discussions are continuing. The Turkish side, who finished seventh in the Süper Lig last season, appear confident of landing the player.
Transfermarkt currently values Bouchouari at $5 million.
A move would allow ASSE to recoup a decent profit on the Moroccan midfielder, who was brought in shortly after the club’s relegation to Ligue 2.
With just a year left on his deal and limited progress in talks for a contract extension, Bouchouari’s exit looks increasingly likely.
“Saint-Étienne will have to make a decision quickly,” one French football source said. “They can’t afford to lose him for free next summer.”
As it stands, Trabzonspor remain the frontrunners, but Girona have also shown interest. The final outcome could depend on how far the Turkish club are willing to go financially.
