KV Mechelen are being linked with a move for Helmond Sport winger Tarik Essakkati, with the Dutch‑Moroccan youngster attracting interest after a sharp rise in his market value to €300,000.
The 20-year-old left winger, born in Helmond on 16 January 2006, is currently on the books of Helmond Sport in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie but has emerged as a reported target for Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen. The rumour, listed with an unspecified probability (marked “?”), suggests Mechelen are exploring a deal as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Essakkati is a right-footed attacker who operates primarily from the left and has progressed through the Helmond Sport system, stepping up from the club’s U18s to the first team in October 2022. Standing at 1.86m, he offers a combination of height and direct running from wide areas.
There is no public record of a contract expiry date at Helmond Sport, leaving open the possibility that he could become a free agent in the near future or be available for a relatively modest fee compared with his current valuation. His market value has climbed steeply in recent years, rising from €25,000 in June 2022 to €300,000 by December 2025, underlining his development in the Dutch second tier.
Essakkati, who holds both Netherlands and Morocco nationality, came through several youth set-ups, including spells with SC Helmondia Jeugd, PSV Eindhoven Youth and SV Rood Wit ’62 before returning to Helmond Sport’s academy. He has been featuring in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, where his recent performances for Helmond Sport have continued to attract scouting attention, although specific match statistics and individual displays have not been formally detailed in the available data.
With KV Mechelen competing in the Jupiler Pro League, a move across the border would represent a significant step up in profile and level for Essakkati and could prove a pivotal moment in shaping his career trajectory and future reputation if the transfer speculation turns into a concrete deal.
