Benjamin Bouchouari is on the verge of completing a €5 million transfer from AS Saint-Étienne to Turkish giants Trabzonspor,
with the Moroccan international expected to undergo a medical on Wednesday before finalising a three-year contract, which includes an option for a fourth season.
The 23-year-old midfielder joined Saint-Étienne in 2022 from Dutch side Roda JC for €1.1 million and has quickly become one of Ligue 1’s most promising young players.
Trabzonspor’s deal is set at €4 million, plus an additional €1 million in bonuses, marking a significant profit for the French club, who were relegated to Ligue 2 last season.
Bouchouari, twice called up by Morocco but yet to make his senior debut, has been the subject of heavy transfer speculation throughout the summer.
Girona, PAOK Salonika, and Olympique Lyonnais were all linked with the midfielder, but negotiations with those clubs failed to materialise.
Trabzonspor’s initial €3 million bid in July was rejected, prompting the Turkish side to return with a more substantial offer that sealed the agreement.
Standing at 1.65 metres, Bouchouari is known for his technical ability, energy, and versatility in midfield, capable of operating as a deep-lying playmaker or further forward as a link between attack and defence.
Despite battling back problems last season, he made 25 Ligue 1 appearances and scored once, establishing himself as a consistent performer in a struggling Saint-Étienne side.
The move is seen as a strategic addition for Trabzonspor, who are currently second in the Turkish Süper Lig and aiming to challenge Galatasaray for the league title. Bouchouari’s arrival is expected to bolster their midfield depth as the club targets domestic and European success.
For Saint-Étienne, the transfer represents a crucial financial boost. With Bouchouari’s contract due to expire in June 2026 and no agreement on an extension, there was a real risk of losing him on a free transfer next year.
This deal not only secures a strong return on their initial investment but also highlights the club’s ability to develop and sell talent on the European stage.
Born in Borgerhout, Belgium, Bouchouari will now have the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues and potentially strengthen his case for a first senior cap with Morocco.
The Atlas Lions, who have been tracking his progress, could see this move as a step toward greater international recognition for the midfielder.
For Bouchouari, the transfer represents both a new challenge and a significant career milestone. Moving from a relegated Ligue 1 side to a title-challenging club offers the 23-year-old an elevated platform to display his skill set at a higher level.
For Saint-Étienne, it is a reminder of their ability to nurture talent despite recent struggles, and for Trabzonspor, a signing that reflects their ambition to reinforce their squad with a player entering his prime.
