Moroccan striker Ismail Khafi appears close to leaving Raja Casablanca during the current winter transfer window, with Emirati reports indicating renewed interest from Al Dhafra, who have identified him as one of their key attacking targets as they look to bolster their frontline.
Al Dhafra’s interest in Khafi is not new. It dates back several months when the player underwent a trial spell with the Emirati club before ultimately opting to complete a move to Raja Casablanca. According to the same sources, the positive impression he left during that period has remained with Al Dhafra’s officials, prompting them to reopen the file and closely monitor his situation once again.
Khafi joined Raja Casablanca in the summer of 2025 from Kuwaiti side Al Qadsia, signing a contract that runs until June 2027 after a transfer worth $200,000. However, his spell with the Moroccan giants has not gone as planned. Despite featuring in nine matches, the striker has yet to find the back of the net, falling short of the expectations that accompanied his arrival.
This dip in attacking output stands in contrast to his previous performances in the Kuwaiti league, where he was more influential and clinical in front of goal. The situation has reignited debate around his suitability for Raja’s style of play and whether the pressure that comes with wearing the green jersey has affected his performances.
Khafi brings with him considerable experience across Moroccan and Arab football, having represented Ittihad Khemisset, Mouloudia Oujda and FAR Rabat, as well as enjoying stints abroad with Al Sailiya of Qatar and Ittihad Tanger, before his move to Al Qadisiyah in Kuwait and his eventual switch to Raja in August 2025.
