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3 clusters · 17 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Souffian El Karouani transfer to Benfica

Overview

Benfica entered advanced negotiations in late August 2026 to sign Moroccan left-back Souffian El Karouani from the Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah. The move was intended to provide defensive depth for manager Marco Silva, as El Karouani had struggled to integrate into the Saudi Pro League squad following his summer move from FC Utrecht.

By August 30, the deal was finalized as a loan for the remainder of the 2026-2027 season, with Benfica and Al Qadsiah sharing his salary. The agreement reportedly includes an option to purchase the player for approximately 10 million euros. El Karouani, a 25-year-old Moroccan international, had previously been unable to participate in official matches in Saudi Arabia due to restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed in the league.

After successfully passing medical examinations in Lisbon, El Karouani expressed his enthusiasm for returning to European football, stating, ‘I didn’t need to think twice’ about the move.

In early September, Benfica’s defensive reinforcement efforts continued with the news that central defender Tomás Araújo signed a long-term contract extension through June 2031. The 24-year-old academy graduate’s new deal includes an €80 million release clause, following interest from clubs in the English Premier League and La Liga.

Entities

Al-Qadsiah · Marco Silva · Benfica · Souffian El Karouani · FC Utrecht

Timeline

  1. 10 days ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    SL Benfica strengthens defense with El Karouani loan and Araújo extension

    SL Benfica has bolstered its defense by securing Moroccan left-back Soufiane El Karouani on loan and extending central defender Tomás Araújo’s contract until 2031.

  2. 12 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Benfica signs Souffian El Karouani on loan from Al-Qadsiah

    Benfica has signed Moroccan left-back Souffian El Karouani on loan from Al-Qadsiah, featuring a purchase option of approximately 10 million euros.

  3. 15 days ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Benfica advances talks for Souffian El Karouani

    Benfica is negotiating a loan deal for Moroccan left-back Souffian El Karouani from Al Qadsiah following his difficult start in Saudi Arabia.

Sources

abola.pt · afrik-foot.com · almountakhab.com · cmjornal.xl.pt · correiodamanha.pt · cryptobriefing.com · lemaroc360.com · maghrebactu.com · mountakhab.net · news50.sa · nlsportnieuws.nl · omroepbrabant.nl · record.xl.pt · sapo.pt · todomercadoweb.es · voetbalzone.nl · wiwsport.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history