Tawfik Bentayeb is set to continue his career in Ligue 2 with Troyes, after the Moroccan forward opted against joining long-term admirers En Avant Guingamp.
The 23-year-old, who scored ten goals for Rodez last season, had been high on Guingamp’s list of summer transfer priorities.
However, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Troyes have moved ahead in the race, securing an agreement to take the striker on loan from his parent club, Union Touarga. The deal does not include an option to buy.
Bentayeb is currently awaiting visa clearance before travelling to France to complete his medical examinations. Once formalities are finalised, he will officially join Troyes for the new campaign.
The forward made a strong impression in Ligue 2 last season, where his scoring ability and attacking movement helped Rodez push beyond expectations. His ten goals drew the attention of several clubs, with Guingamp initially considered favourites to land his signature.
Troyes’ intervention has reshaped the outcome, giving the Moroccan international a fresh platform to showcase his talent.
While the loan deal rules out a permanent move for now, the season-long stay will provide the club with additional attacking options as they look to strengthen their campaign in France’s second tier.
Bentayeb’s trajectory has been steadily rising since his breakthrough, with his performances at Rodez confirming his potential as a consistent goalscorer.
For Troyes, his arrival represents both reinforcement and ambition, as the club looks to climb back towards the upper reaches of Ligue 2.
The deal also highlights Union Touarga’s willingness to allow their promising player to gain further European experience. By placing him in a competitive environment such as Ligue 2, the Moroccan side is providing Bentayeb the chance to refine his skills at a higher level, with the hope of furthering his development.
For the striker himself, the move is another opportunity to cement his reputation in French football. At just 23, he enters a crucial stage in his career where consistent performances could open doors to more prominent opportunities in the near future.
The decision to choose Troyes over Guingamp underlines the unpredictable nature of the transfer market, where timing and negotiation often shift the course of a player’s path.
With Troyes keen to rebuild and reinforce their attacking options, Bentayeb’s arrival adds both depth and competition to the squad.
Once his visa is approved and medical completed, the Moroccan forward will be officially unveiled by Troyes, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Supporters will be eager to see if he can replicate his Rodez form and provide the firepower needed to strengthen the team’s league ambitions.
🇲🇦 Tawfik Bentayeb prêté sans option d’achat par l’Union Touarga à l’ESTAC Troyes! 🇫🇷🔵
🏥⏳📜 Bentayeb est en attente de son VISA. Une fois obtenu, le Marocain passé par le Rodez AF complétera sa visite médicale. #mercato #Ligue2 pic.twitter.com/sfzpY2qQp7
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 26, 2025