Botafogo, the current leaders of Brazil’s Serie A, have officially signed Franco-Moroccan midfielder Mohammed El Arouch from Olympique Lyonnais. The 20-year-old talent, who was nurtured within Lyon’s academy, joins the Brazilian club as part of a strategic transfer facilitated by John Textor, the American businessman who owns both clubs.
Botafogo announced the signing on Wednesday, confirming that El Arouch has penned a contract that will keep him at the Rio de Janeiro club until June 2026.
The young midfielder has already commenced training with his new teammates, marking the beginning of what the club hopes will be a successful chapter in his burgeoning career.
Olympique Lyonnais, in their statement, revealed that while the transfer involves no immediate financial compensation, they retain a 50% stake in any potential future sale of El Arouch.
This arrangement reflects a broader strategy within the Eagle Football group, aimed at fostering talent across multiple clubs under its ownership.
Mohammed El Arouch’s journey to Botafogo began at the age of 13 when he joined Lyon’s youth academy from Orange, a small town in southern France.
Over the years, he developed into a promising midfielder, known for his vision, technical skills, and creativity on the field.
Despite his potential, El Arouch managed just three appearances with Lyon’s senior team, highlighting the fierce competition for places in one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
However, his contributions at the youth level were significant. El Arouch was a key member of the Lyon team that clinched the Coupe Gambardella in 2022, a competition equivalent to the Coupe de France but for players aged 18 and under.
His performances in that tournament underscored his potential and attracted the attention of scouts beyond France.
El Arouch’s move to Botafogo represents a major shift in his career, offering him the chance to establish himself in one of South America’s most competitive leagues.
Botafogo, under the ownership of John Textor, has been making significant strides in recent years, and the acquisition of a young talent like El Arouch aligns with the club’s ambitions.
Botafogo currently sits at the top of the Brazilian Serie A after 23 matches, holding a narrow lead over Fortaleza.
The addition of El Arouch is expected to bolster their midfield options as they aim to maintain their position and potentially secure the league title.
The young midfielder’s versatility and skill set could prove to be valuable assets as Botafogo navigates the challenges of the Brazilian league.
The transfer of Mohammed El Arouch is not just a coup for Botafogo but also a strategic move for the Eagle Football group.
By placing promising talents like El Arouch in environments where they can gain valuable playing time and experience, the group maximizes the potential for future success, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
For El Arouch, this move to Brazil offers an exciting opportunity to showcase his talents on a new stage.
As he integrates into the Botafogo squad, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the demands of Brazilian football and whether he can fulfill the potential that has been evident since his early days at Lyon.
As Botafogo continues its pursuit of domestic glory, the addition of Mohammed El Arouch could be a key factor in their success.
For the young Franco-Moroccan, this is the start of a new adventure, one that could define the trajectory of his career.
