Raja’s Filipinho signing raises fitness questions as Mohamed Zrida nears CODM Meknes

Raja Club Athletic’s signing of Brazilian winger Luis Felipe Silva, known as Filipinho, has prompted concern among supporters after questions emerged over his recent playing record, injury history and match readiness.

The 24-year-old has joined from Fluminense after completing a medical and signing a three-year contract. He will work under Tunisian head coach Nasreddine Nabi as Raja prepare for the new season.

Filipinho can operate on either wing and is also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, giving Nabi additional options in the final third. However, the manner in which Raja presented the signing on their official platforms has been criticised by sections of the club’s fanbase.

Supporters felt the publicity surrounding the announcement did not reflect Filipinho’s current situation, particularly given his limited involvement in competitive football in recent months. Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport reported that the scale of the presentation raised expectations before details of his career, injury record, physical condition and competitive status became clearer.

The concerns extend beyond the player’s relatively limited profile outside Brazil. Filipinho was sidelined for about a year after suffering an injury in March 2024, with his absence continuing until 2025.

He returned to action but suffered another setback in May 2025, leading to a further period out and affecting his continuity and physical level.

Filipinho has not played in an official match since January 2026. His latest absence has been attributed to technical decisions, with the Brazilian continuing to train away from match conditions and not being selected for Fluminense’s first team.

As a result, Raja are expected to treat Filipinho as a player requiring a gradual rehabilitation programme rather than someone ready to contribute immediately at senior level. The club’s technical and fitness staff face the task of restoring his sharpness and bringing him back to the standard required for a phased return to competitive football.

One option being considered is registering him with Raja’s reserve side, known as the Hope team. That would allow him to rebuild his physical and competitive rhythm away from the immediate pressure of first-team involvement.

The supporters’ criticism has also been intensified by the financial commitment involved. Filipinho’s contract runs for three seasons, with total allowances of 240 million Moroccan centimes, equivalent to 80 million centimes per season.

Zrida closes in on Meknes move

Elsewhere, CODM Meknes are reportedly close to completing a deal for midfielder Mohamed Zrida, with negotiations having reached an advanced stage during the summer transfer window.

The proposed move would represent an unexpected destination for the 27-year-old, who had recently been close to joining Hassania Agadir. Those talks stalled without a final agreement, allowing CODM Meknes to enter the race and become the leading candidate to secure his services.

According to Le360 Sport, only a number of contractual details remain before the two parties can reach a final agreement and make the move official.

Zrida developed through Raja’s academy before progressing to the first team. He made a number of domestic and continental appearances for the club and won several honours during his time there.

In February 2025, he moved outside Morocco for the first time when he joined Libyan club Al-Ittihad Tripoli. That spell did not prove as successful as hoped.

He now appears set to return to Moroccan football, with CODM Meknes looking to use his experience to strengthen their midfield and increase competition within the squad ahead of the new season.