Moroccan striker Karim El Berkaoui returns to Al Dhafra FC

Al Dhafra FC have announced the return of Moroccan striker Karim El Berkaoui to the club ahead of the new UAE ADNOC Pro League season.

The Emirati club confirmed the signing on its official X account, announcing that it had re-signed its former Moroccan forward.

“El Dhafra Sports Club has re-signed its former Moroccan striker, Karim El Berkaoui,” the club stated.

The 31-year-old returns to Al Dhafra after playing a crucial role during his previous spell with the club, where his goals proved instrumental in helping the team maintain their top-flight status.

El Berkaoui initially joined Al Dhafra in the summer of 2025 on a free transfer from Saudi Arabian side Al Raed. He arrived following an impressive five-year spell with the Saudi club, where he established himself as Al Raed’s all-time leading scorer in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 61 goals in 124 appearances.

The Moroccan forward quickly became an important figure in Al Dhafra’s attack during the 2025/26 campaign. He scored 11 goals in 18 ADNOC Pro League appearances, starting 15 matches and finishing among the club’s most influential attacking players.

One of his most significant contributions came on the final day of the season against Al Wahda. El Berkaoui scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute to secure a vital victory for Al Dhafra.

The three points proved crucial as Al Dhafra finished 12th with 22 points, narrowly avoiding relegation ahead of Al Bataeh and Dibba, who dropped to the First Division.

His return will provide a major boost to Al Dhafra as the club look to avoid another relegation battle during the 2026/27 campaign.

El Berkaoui is expected to play a key role under Croatian coach Alen Horvat, whose contract was recently renewed after successfully guiding the club to safety last season.

With his experience, familiarity with the club and proven goalscoring record in the UAE, Al Dhafra will be hoping the Moroccan striker can once again deliver the goals needed to secure their position in the ADNOC Pro League.