Al Gharafa make enquiry for experienced Morocco attacker Youssef En-Nesyri
Al Gharafa have made an enquiry about the availability of Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri as they explore the possibility of strengthening their attacking options during the current summer transfer window.
The Qatari outfit are understood to be interested in adding an experienced goalscorer to their squad and have identified the Al-Ittihad forward as a potential target because of his extensive experience at both club and international level.
According to reports, Al Gharafa have already contacted the relevant parties to gather information about En-Nesyri’s situation and determine the conditions that would be required to secure his signature.
However, the initial enquiry has not yet developed into formal negotiations, with the financial demands surrounding the Moroccan forward proving to be a major stumbling block for the Qatari club.
Al-Gharafa were not prepared to immediately enter into direct discussions with Al-Ittihad after assessing the overall financial implications of a potential deal.
The cost of signing En-Nesyri is understood to be significant, with the Saudi club expected to demand a substantial transfer fee for the striker while the player’s existing contractual terms would also require Al-Gharafa to make a considerable financial commitment.
As a result, the Qatari side have so far opted against advancing their interest into a formal transfer proposal.
Al Gharafa’s interest in En-Nesyri is believed to be genuine, but the financial requirements associated with the deal have raised serious concerns.
The club would potentially have to cover both a sizeable transfer fee payable to Al-Ittihad and a lucrative salary package for the Moroccan striker.
That combination has made the proposed move considerably more complicated than initially anticipated.
Al-Gharafa are therefore understood to be carefully evaluating whether they are prepared to commit the level of investment that would be necessary to bring En-Nesyri to Qatar.
For now, the club have chosen to gather information rather than proceed with direct negotiations, leaving the possibility of a move uncertain.
Meanwhile, En-Nesyri himself is reportedly not approaching his future with the intention of leaving Al-Ittihad at all costs.
The Moroccan striker is believed to be carefully considering his options before making a final decision over where he will play next season.
Rather than actively pushing for an immediate departure, En-Nesyri is understood to be weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of remaining in Saudi Arabia against the possibility of returning to European football.
This means that even if another club were to meet Al-Ittihad’s financial demands, the final decision would still depend heavily on the player’s own preferences and career plans
It is said that En-Nesyri is currently considering two principal options for the upcoming season. He intend to remain with Al-Ittihad and continue his career in the Saudi Pro League but will consider a return to Europe.
A continuation of his Saudi adventure would allow En-Nesyri to maintain his current environment and continue competing in one of the world’s rapidly developing football leagues.
4On the other hand, a return to Europe could offer the Moroccan international an opportunity to re-establish himself on the continent and potentially compete again in one of Europe’s major domestic leagues.
The decision is therefore expected to be influenced by sporting ambitions as much as financial considerations.
En-Nesyri’s reputation means that his future is attracting attention from clubs in different markets.
The Moroccan forward has built an impressive career in European football, gaining significant experience in Spain and becoming one of Morocco’s most recognisable attacking players.
His physical strength, aerial ability, movement inside the penalty area and goalscoring instincts have made him an attractive option for clubs looking for an experienced centre-forward.
As a key figure for the Morocco national team, En-Nesyri has gained extensive experience at major international tournaments and against high-level opposition.
That combination of European club experience and international pedigree makes him a valuable asset, but it also contributes to the significant financial demands surrounding any potential transfer.
For Al-Gharafa, the challenge now is determining whether En-Nesyri represents an investment worth making.
The club clearly sees the Moroccan as a player capable of improving its attacking options, but the financial package required to secure him could force the Qatari side to reconsider their approach.
Unless the financial conditions change, Al-Gharafa may find it difficult to progress beyond their initial enquiry.
The club could also explore alternative attacking targets if the cost of signing En-Nesyri remains beyond their preferred budget.
For Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, the situation provides an opportunity to assess the market and determine whether the striker remains central to their plans or whether a suitable offer could convince them to consider his departure.
For now, there is no indication that En-Nesyri has made a definitive decision about his future.
The striker remains focused on assessing his options, with a continuation at Al-Ittihad and a return to Europe both understood to be possibilities.
His next move will ultimately depend on several factors, including Al-Ittihad’s sporting plans, the Saudi club’s financial expectations, the level of interest from potential suitors and, most importantly, the player’s own ambitions.
Al-Gharafa’s enquiry demonstrates the interest surrounding the Moroccan international, but the Qatari club’s reluctance to enter formal negotiations highlights just how expensive a deal could be.
With the summer transfer window still open, En-Nesyri’s situation is therefore one to watch closely. Several clubs could emerge with interest, but any potential suitor will need to meet the financial expectations of Al-Ittihad while also convincing the striker that the proposed move represents the right next step in his career.
For now, the Moroccan forward remains an Al-Ittihad player, with his future still firmly open between continuing in the Saudi Pro League or returning to European football.
