Sory Ibrahim Diarra attracts interest from Raja and Renaissance Berkane

Raja Casablanca and Renaissance Berkane are competing for the signing of Malian striker Sory Ibrahim Diarra as both Moroccan clubs look to strengthen their attacking options.

The two sides have shown interest in the 26-year-old and are reportedly looking to advance negotiations over a potential deal. Their pursuit could develop into a direct battle for a striker who has already gained significant experience outside Africa.

Diarra has spent much of his professional career in Europe, playing in Romania and Norway after beginning his development in Mali.

Born in Ségou on 28 February 2000, Diarra started his football education with Étoiles du Mandé before joining CO Bamako.

He subsequently moved to Romania, where he played for Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț and Petrolul Ploiești. It was at Petrolul where he produced some of his most impressive numbers.

During the 2021/22 season, Diarra scored 15 goals in 21 league appearances as Petrolul won the Romanian second division title.

The striker later spent time on loan at Unirea Slobozia before moving to Norway in 2023 to join FK Haugesund.

His first season with Haugesund provided another indication of his goalscoring ability, with Diarra finding the net eight times in league competition.

He continued to contribute goals during the 2025 season. The Malian forward made 21 league appearances for Haugesund and scored seven goals. He also added one goal in the Norwegian Cup, finishing with seven goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Diarra has also represented Mali at senior international level. He has one appearance for the Eagles, making his debut in September 2024 against Mozambique during the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 1.87m striker’s combination of size and experience has attracted attention in Morocco, where Raja and Renaissance Berkane are now competing for his signature.

A move to either club would bring Diarra to the Botola Pro after several seasons playing in European football.

However, the Moroccan clubs are not the only sides monitoring his situation. According to recent exclusive reports from Africasoccer, Norwegian club FK Bodø/Glimt are in advanced talks with Haugesund over the striker.

Diarra’s future could therefore be decided amid interest from both Morocco and Norway, with Raja Casablanca and Renaissance Berkane currently emerging as contenders for the Malian international.

For now, discussions are continuing, with both Moroccan clubs keen to move forward in their attempts to secure a striker whose record in European football has made him an attractive target.