[REVISION HISTORY]

Souffian El Karouani transfer to Benfica

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-01 22:58 UTC → 2026-09-02 21:40 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~He is expected to bolster manager Marco Silva’s~~ In early September, Benfica’s defensive ~~options on~~ reinforcement efforts continued with the ~~left flank.~~ 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.

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