Yassine Khalifi: five things to know about the Moroccan midfielder attracting PSG’s attention

Paris St-Germain are monitoring Morocco Under-23 midfielder Yassine Khalifi, whose rapid rise at Sporting Charleroi has made him one of the emerging young players attracting attention in Belgium.

The 21-year-old has developed through Morocco’s leading football academy, spent time in France with LOSC and established himself in the Belgian top flight. Here are five key points about his career so far.

1. Developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy

Khalifi began his football education at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, a renowned centre for player development in Morocco.

A loan spell at Union Touarga gave him his first experience of senior football and allowed him to compete at a higher level. The period helped build the technical and competitive foundations of a career that would later take him to Europe.

Khalifi was born in Marrakech.

2. First European experience came with LOSC

The midfielder then moved to France, joining LOSC for his first European opportunity.

The switch exposed him to a more demanding environment, away from the surroundings in which he had developed in Morocco. However, he did not make a senior appearance for the club.

Instead, Khalifi played for the reserve team and the Under-19 side during his time with Les Dogues.

3. Breakthrough at Sporting Charleroi

Khalifi’s most significant progress has come in Belgium. Since joining Sporting Charleroi in summer 2025, the Morocco youth international has produced a succession of strong displays and continued to develop.

His new surroundings have provided the platform for him to establish himself, and he is now regarded as one of the players in the Belgian championship being closely watched by European observers.

4. PSG monitoring his progress

That development has also attracted interest from Paris St-Germain.

According to La Derniere Heure, PSG are following Khalifi closely and have identified him as one of the promising young African players on their shortlist.

There has been no concrete development in the potential deal so far, however. The Parisian club’s interest is currently understood to remain at the monitoring stage rather than representing an official approach.

5. Recognition with Morocco’s youth teams

Khalifi’s progress has been reflected in his international career. After representing Morocco at Under-17 and Under-20 level, he has played for the Morocco Under-23 team since last March.

He has been a regular starter for Sporting Charleroi since the beginning of the season, featuring in every league match for a total of 607 minutes.

Khalifi’s contract expires next summer, although Sporting Charleroi hold an option to extend it for a further two years. His current value on Transfermarkt is listed at 1.3 million euros.

Sporting Charleroi are next due to face Standard de Liege in the eighth round of the Belgian championship. Betting company 1xbet lists Sporting Charleroi at 1.48 to win, with the draw at 5.00 and a Standard de Liege victory at 8.75.