Ali Maamar: Porto eye move for Morocco-Belgium right-back from Anderlecht

Porto are exploring a move for Morocco-Belgium defender Ali Maamar from RSC Anderlecht as the Portuguese club assess options at right-back ahead of the new Liga Portugal campaign.

Maamar, 21, is under contract with Anderlecht until 30 June 2028 but has emerged as a potential target for Porto following his promotion to the Belgian club’s first team. The right-back, who wears No 79, has already featured in UEFA Europa League qualifying this season, playing the full 90 minutes in his only appearance so far.

Born in Brussels on 23 March 2005 and standing at 1.82m, Maamar represents both Moroccan and Belgian nationality and has come through the Anderlecht system after earlier spells in the youth ranks at Lierse SK and KV Mechelen. He moved permanently into Anderlecht’s senior squad in January 2025 from RSCA Futures, having previously progressed from the club’s U18 side.

Porto’s interest comes at a time when Maamar’s market value has risen to €2.5 million, the highest of his career to date. That valuation and the length of his deal in Brussels mean Anderlecht are under no pressure to sell and would be in a strong negotiating position should formal talks begin.

For now, Maamar remains part of Anderlecht’s plans as a right-sided defender heading into the remainder of their European qualifying campaign and domestic season, with his long-term contract giving the Belgian club significant leverage over any potential transfer.