Racing de Santander have moved to sign Moroccan goalkeeper Alaa Bellaarouch after submitting a €250,000 offer to Sporting Braga as they seek to reinforce their squad during their promotion push in Spain’s Segunda División.
The league leaders have identified the young goalkeeper as a priority target, viewing him as a player who can deliver immediate impact while also offering long-term potential.
Club officials in Santander believe Bellaarouch fits their profile for a modern goalkeeper capable of competing at the highest level in the division.
Sources close to the negotiations confirm that Racing have made a concrete approach and placed a formal bid worth €250,000 on the table.
Bellaarouch currently holds a contract with Portuguese side Sporting Braga, where he has not yet appeared in a league match this season.
Despite his lack of domestic minutes, his reputation continues to grow following his success on the international stage.
Bellaarouch played a key role in Morocco’s triumph at the Under-23 World Championship, a performance that elevated his standing among European clubs.
That achievement has strengthened Racing’s belief that the goalkeeper can adapt quickly and add quality to their promotion-chasing squad.
However, Braga’s management have expressed reservations about the proposal.
According to the same sources, the Portuguese club consider the financial terms insufficient and remain unconvinced that a permanent transfer at that value reflects the player’s potential. As a result, the chances of an immediate sale remain slim at this stage of discussions.
Racing have also explored an alternative route and have formally contacted Braga to request a loan deal.
The Spanish club see this option as a practical solution that allows Bellaarouch to gain valuable first-team experience while helping them maintain momentum at the top of the table.
The goalkeeper himself has responded positively to the idea of a move to Spain. Bellaarouch supports the prospect of joining Racing, as he seeks regular playing time to accelerate his development and test himself in a new footballing environment.
A switch to the Segunda División would offer him exposure to a competitive league while placing him at the centre of a high-pressure promotion campaign.
The final decision now sits with Sporting Braga’s leadership. Club officials must determine whether to approve the loan proposal or hold firm and keep the player within their squad.
Racing de Santander, meanwhile, continue to wait as they push to strengthen their team and sustain their bid for promotion to La Liga.
