Moroccan forward Tarik Tissoudali is set to leave Europe behind, with a move to the United Arab Emirates on the horizon after struggling to make an impact with his national team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 31-year-old, who has spent his entire professional career in Europe, is now preparing to explore new opportunities in the Middle East following a challenging season.
Tissoudali, who began his professional career in 2011, has played across several European leagues, most recently spending five months at Greek club PAOK Salonika.
During his time in Greece, he made 24 appearances, scoring six goals and providing one assist.
However, after a difficult start to the season, he is now reportedly set to join UAE Pro League side Al-Wasl on loan, as confirmed by journalist Loïc Tanzi of L’Equipe.
Al-Wasl, who are currently struggling in the league, sitting in eighth place out of 14 teams after 11 matchdays, are hoping Tissoudali can provide a spark to help turn their fortunes around.
The UAE club, which won the league title last season, sees the Moroccan as a potential solution to their attacking woes.
For Tissoudali, the move presents an opportunity to revitalise his career in a less demanding league, offering him a chance to regain confidence and showcase his abilities.
The Amsterdam-born forward’s shift to Al-Wasl would reunite him with fellow Moroccan Soufiane Bouftini, who is nearing the end of his contract at the club.
Tissoudali’s move to the UAE also marks a departure from a career spent in Europe, where he has previously played for French side Le Havre and Belgian club La Gantoise, before his brief stint in Greece.
Tissoudali’s international career with Morocco has seen him earn 14 caps, scoring two goals, but he has been one of the players left out after Morocco’s disappointing performance at AFCON 2023.
Le Marocain Tarik Tissoudali (PAOK) passé par Le Havre devrait être prêté à Al-Wasl #Mercato
— Loïc Tanzi (@Tanziloic) January 7, 2025
Despite being one of the key figures in their squad leading into the tournament, Morocco’s elimination in the Round of 16 as favourites led to sweeping changes within the team.
Tissoudali, who only featured for a brief 17 minutes as a substitute in Morocco’s January 2024 match against Zambia, has found himself out of favour under head coach Walid Regragui.
The forward’s absence from the squad following the tournament signals that his time with the national team may be over for now.
With his national team prospects looking uncertain, Tissoudali’s move to Al-Wasl represents a fresh start away from the spotlight of European football, as he seeks to rediscover his form and contribute to his new team’s revival in the UAE.
However, the transfer does not appear to bring him any closer to a return to the Moroccan national team, leaving his international future in doubt.
