Souffian El Karouani to join Benfica on loan in European return

Souffian El Karouani has arrived in Lisbon to complete a season-long loan move to Benfica, just three months after leaving Europe for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah.

The 25-year-old defender landed in the Portuguese capital on Sunday evening as he prepared to finalise his transfer to the Portuguese top-flight side. Benfica have negotiated an option to buy El Karouani for 10m euros, according to Portuguese media.

El Karouani joined Al-Qadsiah from FC Utrecht this summer without a transfer fee. However, his prospects of securing regular playing time at the Saudi club were limited by league registration rules, with Al-Qadsiah permitted to register only eight foreign players aged over 23.

That situation prompted Al-Qadsiah to look for a temporary solution, with Benfica emerging as the destination for the Morocco international. The proposed move will take El Karouani back to European football after only a short spell in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Portuguese media after arriving at Lisbon Airport, El Karouani expressed his enthusiasm about beginning the next stage of his career.

“It’s a fantastic feeling, I’m incredibly happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.”

He said the opportunity to return to Europe, together with Benfica’s stature, made the decision straightforward.

“I had the opportunity to return to Europe and Benfica is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so I didn’t hesitate for long,” the defender added.

El Karouani also outlined his ambitions for the season in Portugal, saying: “I want to win a trophy and have a good season at Benfica.”

The left-back remains under contract with Al-Qadsiah until the middle of 2029. His proposed loan to Benfica would therefore give him the chance to play in Europe while Al-Qadsiah retain control of his long-term future.

The agreed purchase option, reported to be worth 10m euros, could allow Benfica to make the move permanent at the end of the loan period. At this stage, El Karouani is set to spend one season with the Portuguese club.

His transfer to Benfica comes shortly after his move in the opposite direction. El Karouani had joined Al-Qadsiah from FC Utrecht this summer on a free transfer, but the Saudi club’s limit on overseas players over the age of 23 created uncertainty over his opportunities.

Benfica will now provide the Morocco international with a route back into European football and the chance to compete for silverware during the coming campaign.