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Benfica has reactivated its interest in Al-Qadisiyah left-back Souffian El Karouani as the club enters the final stretch of the transfer window to secure defensive reinforcements, according to reports from A BOLA. The 25-year-old Moroccan international, who holds a contract with the Saudi Arabian club until 2029, is facing immediate squad limitations that could facilitate a move back to European football.
Transfer Market Interest and Previous Links
The Lisbon club has gathered information regarding El Karouani’s current availability, though no formal proposal has been submitted to Al-Qadisiyah yet, as reported by A BOLA.
Adaptation Challenges and Squad Constraints in Saudi Arabia
Saudi media reports indicate that El Karouani has struggled to adapt to the local environment and has not featured in an official competition match or even made the matchday registration lists for the early rounds. The Saudi league enforces a strict limit of eight foreign players per match sheet, while Al-Qadisiyah currently carries 14 overseas players in its squad—including Julian Weigl, Portuguese international Otávio, and recent arrival Tijjani Reijnders from Manchester City. Because of this logjam, the Saudi club is open to evaluating both permanent transfers and temporary loan arrangements before the window closes, according to A BOLA.
Did you know? Souffian El Karouani registered 18 assists during the 2025/26 season with Utrecht, showcasing the high-volume offensive output that initially drew attention from Portuguese scouts.
Current Benfica Left-Back Options and Financial Hurdles
Benfica manager Marco Silva currently relies on Samuel Dahl as the primary starter at left-back at the start of the season, alongside 18-year-old prospect José Neto, who remains in development. While El Karouani represents a profile for immediate reinforcement, the club’s board is carefully evaluating multiple alternatives before making a formal bid, notes A BOLA. Any potential operation faces significant financial hurdles, given that the player’s salary under his contract runs around €7 million per year, which tests the standard wage limits in Portuguese football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Benfica made a formal offer for Souffian El Karouani?
No. According to A BOLA, Benfica has only gathered information and made preliminary inquiries regarding the conditions of a potential deal, without submitting a formal proposal to Al-Qadisiyah.
Why is El Karouani available for transfer?
Al-Qadisiyah holds 14 foreign players in its squad against a league limit of eight per match sheet, leaving El Karouani unregistered for official games. Reports also indicate the player has experienced adaptation difficulties in Saudi Arabia.
What is El Karouani’s contract status?
El Karouani is under contract with Al-Qadisiyah until the summer of 2029, having joined the club from Utrecht.
Join the Conversation
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