Moroccan defender Ayoub Amraoui loaned to Ligue 2 side Martigues
Moroccan defender Ayoub Amraoui, who was not selected by Tarik Sektioui for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has signed on loan with newly-promoted Ligue 2 club Martigues. The 20-year-old left-back, who played a crucial role in Morocco’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2023, will be spending the 2024-2025 season with Martigues while remaining under contract with OGC Nice.
Amraoui, who made seven appearances in Ligue 1 with Nice during the 2022-2023 season, will be filling the shoes of Franco-Algerian Yanis Zouaoui, who has moved to Le Havre in Ligue 1.
This loan move is seen as a significant step for Amraoui to gain valuable playing time and experience, which he lacked during his stint with Nice last season.
Despite being a regular call-up for the national team in recent months, Amraoui did not make the cut for the Olympic squad.
Watching from the sidelines as his compatriots prepare for the quarter-finals against the United States at the Parc des Princes is undoubtedly a disappointment for the young defender.
However, this setback might serve as motivation for Amraoui to excel with Martigues, a club from the picturesque “Venice of Provence.”
Last season, Amraoui struggled for playing time at Nice, leading to a loan move to Amiens in Ligue 2 during the winter transfer window.
Unfortunately, the experience did not yield the desired results, with Amraoui making only nine league appearances.
Despite this, he remains one of Morocco’s brightest prospects at the left-back position.
A successful season with Martigues could revive his career and possibly reopen the doors to the national team.
Amraoui’s performances with Martigues will be closely watched by Moroccan national team selectors.
He was called up by Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui for friendlies against Brazil and Peru in March 2023 but did not earn his first cap.
Consistent and impressive displays in Ligue 2 could see him return to the national fold, especially with Morocco looking to build a strong squad for future competitions.
Martigues, having just been promoted to Ligue 2, will be looking to stabilize their squad and ensure a solid performance in the league.
Amraoui’s addition brings both defensive solidity and potential offensive contributions from the left flank.
The club’s management and fans will be hoping that the young Moroccan can showcase his talent and help the team achieve its objectives for the season.
In summary, Ayoub Amraoui’s loan move to Martigues presents a vital opportunity for the young defender to gain regular playing time, prove his capabilities, and potentially earn a recall to the Moroccan national team.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on his performances in Ligue 2, which could shape the next phase of his promising career.
De retour de prêt d’Amiens (L2), l’arrière gauche international U20 & U23 marocain né en France, Ayoub #Amraoui (20 ans, 1m84), sous contrat avec l’#OGCN #Nice (L1), serait attendu au #FCMartigues #Martigues (L2, promu), toujours en prêt pic.twitter.com/EEU8sq6ybM
— Golazo Lorenzo (@LorenzoGolazo) August 1, 2024
