Al Gharafa step back as Youssef En-Nesyri transfer proves too costly

Al Gharafa have ended their attempt to sign Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri after negotiations stalled over the financial demands of a potential transfer.

The Qatar club had explored the possibility of bringing in the 29-year-old in recent days and made enquiries about the conditions required to complete a deal. However, talks failed to progress because of the overall cost involved, according to Hesport.

Al Ittihad, who hold the player’s registration rights, were seeking a substantial transfer fee. En-Nesyri’s salary demands would have added significantly to the expense, leaving Al Gharafa unwilling to take responsibility for the full financial package.

The club have therefore decided to end their pursuit of the Morocco international.

En-Nesyri is not short of alternatives as he considers the next stage of his career. He is understood to favour remaining in the Saudi Pro League, where he has already gained considerable experience, as reported exclusively by Africafoot.

However, the striker is also open to returning to Europe. Several clubs are continuing to monitor his situation, and a firm proposal from a European side could yet influence his decision in the coming weeks.

En-Nesyri arrived in Saudi Arabia with a strong reputation as a goalscorer and remains an attractive option in the transfer market. Transfermarkt currently values him at 17m euros.

His name has also emerged on the recruitment list of Pyramids FC, who are looking to strengthen their attack during the summer transfer window, according to exclusive information obtained by Africafoot.

Maghreb de Fes are also interested in the profile of the Morocco international, known as a Lion of the Atlas, according to sources cited in the report.

The collapse of Al Gharafa’s approach leaves En-Nesyri’s future unsettled, with the possibility of a further move in either Saudi Arabia or Europe still open. Al Ittihad’s demands and the player’s wage expectations remain central factors in determining where he plays next.

Al Ittihad are due to begin their Saudi Arabian league campaign shortly with a first-day fixture against Al Kholood. Betting company 1xbet lists Al Ittihad as favourites for the match, giving them odds of 1.46 to win. A draw is priced at 4.25, while an Al Kholood victory is listed at 5.00.

Those match odds do not affect the uncertainty surrounding En-Nesyri’s transfer situation, but the forward’s future could develop quickly if a club is prepared to meet the financial conditions required by Al Ittihad and the player.