Moroccan top scorer Ben Taib in line for Augsburg move after missing out on Raja Casablanca deal

Augsburg are in talks to sign Moroccan forward Tawfik Ben Taib from Union Touarga, with the Bundesliga club moving for the Ligue 2 top scorer after he was previously turned down by Raja Casablanca.

French outlet Foot Mercato reports that Augsburg have opened negotiations with the Moroccan club over a permanent deal for the 24-year-old, who enjoyed a prolific campaign on loan at Troyes last season.

Ben Taib finished the 2023-24 Ligue 2 season as the division’s leading scorer, hitting 18 goals while on loan from Union Touarga. His form has now attracted serious interest from the German side during the current summer transfer window.

Augsburg, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new Bundesliga season, are said to be working on the details of an agreement with Union Touarga to secure the striker’s services.

From Raja rejection to European breakthrough

Before his breakthrough in France, Ben Taib had been linked with a move to Raja Casablanca during last summer’s transfer window. However, the Moroccan giants ultimately decided not to pursue a deal for the player.

That decision was followed by Ben Taib’s switch to Troyes, where he delivered his most prolific season to date and established himself as one of the standout forwards in the French second tier.

Despite standing at 1.80m, a height often considered modest for a traditional centre-forward, Ben Taib has built a reputation for impressive performances across his recent loan spells in Europe.

Consistent impact in France

Prior to his spell at Troyes, the Moroccan attacker also spent time on loan at Rodez in the 2022-23 season, again in Ligue 2. There he scored 10 goals in 29 league appearances, underlining his ability to adapt quickly and contribute consistently in European football.

His goal return at both Troyes and Rodez has increased interest in his profile, with Augsburg now attempting to bring him to the Bundesliga as they look to add proven firepower to their squad.

Following Moroccan footsteps in the Bundesliga

If the move is completed, Ben Taib would become the latest Moroccan talent to feature in the German top flight, a league that has seen several notable Moroccan players in recent years.

The Bundesliga’s most high-profile Moroccan arrival this summer has been Ismael Saibari, who joined Bayern Munich in the current transfer window, continuing a tradition of Moroccan internationals making the step to one of Europe’s leading competitions.

Augsburg’s pursuit of Ben Taib comes in that context, with the club aiming to tap into the growing pool of Moroccan talent succeeding in major European leagues.

Negotiations between Augsburg and Union Touarga are ongoing, with all parties working towards an agreement that would see the Ligue 2 top scorer take the next step in his career in Germany.