Cheick Keita looks set to leave Olympique Dcheira at the end of the season as interest from clubs outside Morocco intensifies ahead of the summer transfer window.
The young Malian international centre-back has attracted attention from several teams, with Saudi side Al Ettifaq, Morocco’s Raja Club Athletic and AS FAR all monitoring his situation.
Sources indicate that a move was close during the winter window, but Olympique Dcheira chose to retain the defender until the end of the campaign.
Keita remains under contract until 30 June, a factor that has increased speculation around his future.
Dcheira’s management has made clear its preference to avoid a mid-season departure, instead allowing discussions to progress with a view to a summer transfer.
Among the interested parties, Al Ettifaq have taken the most concrete steps. The Saudi club, currently seventh in the Saudi Pro League, has expressed strong interest in securing Keita’s services and has already submitted an initial proposal.
That offer is understood to be worth around €600,000 and includes a three-year contract, along with specific conditions tied to the agreement.
Negotiations between the player’s representatives and potential suitors are ongoing. According to sources close to the talks, discussions remain active and regular contact has been maintained as both sides seek to reach an agreement in principle before the opening of the next transfer window.
Keita’s profile has risen steadily following his performances in Morocco, adding to a career that has taken him through several notable clubs in Mali.
He previously featured for AS Académie Génération Foot, JS Centre Salif Keita, Stade Malien de Bamako and AS Real de Bamako, experiences that have shaped his development as a central defender.
At this stage, no final decision has been taken, but the direction of travel appears clear. With his contract approaching its end and multiple clubs positioning themselves, the coming months are expected to prove decisive.
Olympique Dcheira, meanwhile, continue to plan for the remainder of the season with Keita still in their ranks, aware that his departure now looks increasingly likely once the summer window opens.
