Omar El Kaddouri Poised for Return to Torino Amid Napoli Struggles
Omar El Kaddouri, the Moroccan international midfielder, is reportedly on the verge of leaving Napoli this winter due to limited playing opportunities. The 25-year-old, who has struggled to secure regular minutes with the Serie A leaders, may be heading north to Turin, though not to Juventus—the city’s most celebrated club—but to their cross-town rivals, Torino FC.
According to La Stampa, negotiations between Napoli and Torino are progressing positively, and a deal could be finalized in the coming weeks. El Kaddouri is no stranger to Torino, having spent two seasons on loan with the club between 2013 and 2015. During that period, he made a significant impression with his technical ability, vision, and ability to link midfield with attack. Torino fans will remember him as a creative presence in midfield, capable of unlocking defenses and contributing both goals and assists.
This potential move represents a chance for El Kaddouri to revive his career and regain the regular playing time that has eluded him in Naples. This season, he has made only nine appearances for Napoli, struggling to break into a competitive midfield lineup stacked with talent. For a player of his age and ambition, prolonged bench time could hinder his development and limit his contribution to the Moroccan national team. A return to Torino offers him familiarity with the club environment and tactical setup, which could ease his transition and help him make an immediate impact.
For Torino, the addition of El Kaddouri could provide a significant boost. The Italian club is looking to strengthen its midfield options for the second half of the season, and his creativity, experience in Serie A, and versatility make him an attractive target. He can play in multiple midfield roles, whether as an advanced playmaker, a central midfielder, or in a slightly wider position, giving Torino flexibility in formation and strategy.
The Moroccan midfielder’s previous loan spell at Torino was marked by productive performances, and the club and its supporters will hope that his return brings stability and a spark to their campaign. Torino will likely aim to leverage El Kaddouri’s experience and technical skills to enhance their attacking transitions, create scoring opportunities, and improve overall midfield cohesion.
For Napoli, offloading El Kaddouri may be a strategic move to streamline their squad and allow the player to pursue more consistent playing time elsewhere. While Napoli boasts a talented roster, it has been increasingly difficult for El Kaddouri to find minutes in a team competing on multiple fronts, including Serie A and European competitions.
As negotiations continue, both parties appear motivated to finalize the transfer, with Torino eager to reintroduce a familiar and skilled midfielder into their ranks. Should the move be completed, Omar El Kaddouri’s return to Turin could mark a turning point in his career, offering him the chance to regain form, confidence, and visibility while contributing significantly to Torino’s campaign in the Italian top flight.
