Walid Cheddira set for move to Spain with Espanyol loan deal
Napoli striker Walid Cheddira is reportedly set to join Spanish club Espanyol on loan, marking a potential turning point in his career. Cheddira, a 26-year-old Moroccan international, has been exploring options for more consistent playing time, aiming to boost his chances of returning to the national team under coach Walid Regragui, who favors players actively competing at the highest levels.
According to reports from French outlet *Foot Mercato*, Cheddira is close to sealing a deal with Espanyol, recently promoted back to Spain’s top division.
The loan agreement is expected to include an option for Espanyol to secure the player permanently at the end of the 2023/24 season, allowing the forward an opportunity to establish himself in La Liga for the first time in his career.
Born in Loreto, Italy, Cheddira has spent the entirety of his professional career in Italy, most recently with Napoli, after stints with lower-tier clubs.
Despite his potential and raw talent, Cheddira has struggled to break into Napoli’s first team on a regular basis, leading to his search for a club that can offer more competitive playing opportunities.
A move to Espanyol presents a fresh challenge for the forward and an opportunity to gain valuable experience in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
For Cheddira, the transfer to Espanyol could be a significant step towards reinvigorating his international career.
Under the guidance of Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, players who maintain consistent club performances are more likely to receive call-ups for international duties.
Cheddira, who has been eager to solidify his place in the Moroccan squad, will be hoping that regular appearances in La Liga will bolster his prospects for future national team selection.
The deal, which is expected to be finalized soon, will see Cheddira joining a team that recently fought its way back to La Liga after a season in the second division.
Espanyol is looking to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season, and Cheddira’s addition could provide the attacking boost the team needs to compete at the top level of Spanish football.
As Cheddira prepares for his first venture into Spanish football, he will be aiming to prove his worth on a new stage and reignite his career with Espanyol.
The loan move comes at a crucial time for the player, offering him the chance to make a lasting impression in La Liga and, potentially, secure a permanent deal with the Catalan club.
Should the transfer be completed, Cheddira will find himself in unfamiliar territory in Spain, but with the motivation to succeed and the backing of a team seeking fresh talent, he may well find the platform he needs to make his mark.
