El Karouani set for Benfica challenge after Al Qadsiah switch

Benfica have completed the signing of Morocco international Souffian El Karouani on a season-long loan from Al Qadsiah, adding a new option at left-back.

The Portuguese club confirmed the move on its official X page after the transfer was first revealed exclusively by Africafoot. The agreement includes an option for Benfica to make the move permanent, with the fee understood to be around €10m.

El Karouani, 25, now has the opportunity to continue his development in European football after moving to Lisbon for a new challenge with the Eagles. His arrival gives Benfica further depth on the left side of their defence as they prepare for the next stage of the Portuguese championship.

The Morocco defender had only recently joined Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. However, he leaves the club without having made a single official appearance for them.

His brief spell at Al Qadsiah means the move to Benfica comes almost immediately after his transfer to Saudi Arabia. The loan allows El Karouani to continue his career in Europe, while Benfica have secured the option to assess him before deciding whether to complete a permanent deal.

According to Transfermarkt, El Karouani’s current estimated market value is €15m. The left-back will be hoping to establish himself quickly in Portugal and persuade Benfica’s hierarchy to exercise the purchase option when the loan period ends.

The player’s immediate focus will be adapting to his new club and competing for a place in the Benfica team. The Portuguese side are due to play their fifth league match of the season against Maritimo shortly, although it remains to be seen whether El Karouani will be involved in that fixture.

Benfica will be able to assess the Morocco international in a competitive environment during his loan spell before making a decision on his future. The potential €10m purchase clause is below the €15m valuation currently listed by Transfermarkt, although the final outcome will depend on the defender’s performances in Lisbon.

For the upcoming Benfica against Maritimo fixture, bookmaker 1xBet lists Benfica as the clear favourites. Its published odds give Benfica a price of 1.27 to win, while a draw is assessed at 5.60 and a Maritimo victory at 10.25.