Benfica explore move for Morocco full-back Souffian El Karouani

Benfica are reportedly close to signing Morocco international Souffian El Karouani, only weeks after the 25-year-old left European football for Saudi Arabia.

The left-back joined Al-Qadsiah on a free transfer from FC Utrecht this summer but has endured a difficult start and could now leave the club just one month after arriving, according to reports in the Saudi Arabian media.

El Karouani has yet to establish himself at Al-Qadsiah, while Benfica are understood to be ready to offer him a route back to Europe. The Portuguese club are already familiar with the defender, having monitored him before his departure from the Netherlands.

Juventus, Real Betis and Besiktas were also reported to have followed El Karouani during his time at Utrecht. However, discussions with Benfica could now progress further than those involving his previous suitors.

A move to Saudi Arabia was understandable, particularly from a financial perspective, but the first weeks of El Karouani’s career there have not developed as he would have hoped. A departure so soon after his arrival would nevertheless represent a surprise.

Benfica could provide a more suitable setting for the defender to rebuild his profile in European football. El Karouani made a strong impression during his three seasons with FC Utrecht, where he became known for his attacking approach from left-back.

He made 113 appearances for the Dutch club and enjoyed his most productive campaign in his final season there. Across 32 matchdays, he supplied 13 assists, underlining the attacking influence that had attracted attention from clubs elsewhere in Europe.

The opportunity to return to the continent could also have significant consequences for El Karouani’s Morocco career. Despite his performances in the Netherlands, he was not selected for the 2026 World Cup and has slipped down the pecking order within the Morocco national team, known as the Atlas Lions.

At 25, El Karouani still has time to restore his momentum. A move to Benfica could give him the chance to regain regular playing time, increase his exposure in European football and work his way back into contention for Morocco.

For Benfica, the reported interest would represent another opportunity to recruit a player whose qualities were already known to the club. El Karouani’s ability to contribute in the final third was particularly evident during his time at Utrecht, although his immediate future remains uncertain after his brief spell in Saudi Arabia.

No agreement has been confirmed, but the situation has developed quickly since the full-back joined Al-Qadsiah. If negotiations continue as reported, El Karouani could soon be preparing for a return to European football with Benfica.