Porto monitoring Morocco’s Ali Maamar after breakthrough at Anderlecht

Portuguese giants Porto are reportedly considering a move for Moroccan defender Ali Maamar after the young right-back impressed with Anderlecht during the past season.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Morocco’s brightest defensive prospects, with his performances in Belgium attracting attention from several clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to reports cited by Moroccan outlet Al-Botola, Porto have added Maamar to their shortlist of potential signings as they look to strengthen the right side of their defence.

No official bid yet

Despite the growing interest, Porto have not yet submitted a formal offer to Anderlecht.

The Portuguese club are currently monitoring the defender’s progress while assessing their transfer options before deciding whether to make an official approach.

Anderlecht keen to keep defender

Anderlecht are understood to have little interest in selling Maamar, particularly as injuries have left them short of options at right-back.

With Kilian Sardela and Elias Camara both sidelined, the Moroccan has become an increasingly important member of the Belgian club’s first-team squad and is expected to play a key role in the coming season.

Rapid rise for Morocco prospect

A product of Anderlecht’s academy, Maamar made his senior debut against Club Brugge in the Belgian league on 12 January 2025.

Since then, he has gone on to make 54 appearances for the first team, establishing himself as one of the club’s emerging talents.

The defender has also enjoyed success on the international stage, helping Morocco’s youth national team lift the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile last year.

His continued development has now placed him on Porto’s radar, with the Portuguese side weighing up a move for one of African football’s most promising young defenders.