Wissem Chaouali: Lyon linked with move for Tunisian Al-Ettifaq defender

Lyon are being linked with a move for Tunisian centre-back Wissem Chaouali, who is currently on the books at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

The 19-year-old defender, valued at around 25,000, has emerged on the radar of the Ligue 1 club after breaking into senior football in Saudi Arabia. Chaouali has featured in the Saudi First Division League this season, making seven appearances and accumulating 500 minutes of game time as he begins to establish himself at professional level.

Chaouali officially stepped up from Al-Ettifaqs youth ranks to their first team in July 2025, before being loaned to Al-Jubail later that year to gain regular minutes. That loan was brought to an end on 30 June 2026, with the Tunisian returning to Al-Ettifaq ahead of the new campaign.

Born on 10 September 2006, Chaouali moved to Saudi Arabia from the youth set-up of St. Tunisien in September 2024, joining Al-Ettifaqs under-19s before his rapid progression into senior football. His profile as a young, developing centre-back has now led to interest from Europe, with Lyon monitoring his situation as they assess defensive options.

Al-Ettifaq are yet to clarify their stance on a potential sale, and Chaoualis contractual terms have not been made public, leaving any negotiations at an early and uncertain stage.