After a summer of speculation linking him to European suitors, Souffian El Karouani has settled his next move by joining Al-Qadsiah on a free transfer from FC Utrecht. The Moroccan left-back signed a contract running until June 30, 2029, giving him three years of stability in Saudi Arabia. Given that fresh, long-term deal, talk of an imminent departure from Al-Qadsiah appears premature, at least based on what is currently known.
El Karouani’s move became official in the summer of 2026, once his contract with Utrecht expired. That allowed him to leave as a free agent, with no transfer fee involved, despite Transfermarkt valuing him at around 15 million euros at the time. Data platforms such as FotMob and SofaScore have logged the transfer as a standard free move for the 2026/27 season, with El Karouani entering Al-Qadsiah’s squad on July 22, 2026.
Before this deal, his name circulated in connection with FC Porto and Olympique de Marseille, two clubs reportedly monitoring his performances in the Eredivisie. Marseille’s interest was described in mercato reports as having faded once it emerged that El Karouani had already agreed terms with Al-Qadsiah. Some early rumors during the winter transfer window were denied by sources close to the player, suggesting the final agreement took shape gradually rather than suddenly.
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, El Karouani has been listed as a first-team option at left-back for the 2026/27 campaign. His market value has since been adjusted downward to around 8.5 million euros by some statistical platforms, a common pattern for players moving from European leagues to the Saudi Pro League. Public data currently show no release clause or renewal option attached to his deal, and no club has made any official approach since his arrival. Like many Atlas Lions who developed their talent abroad, El Karouani represents Morocco’s broader reliance on diaspora players to strengthen the national team’s depth, much like goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, whose own path to the national team underscores this trend.
For now, there is no indication that El Karouani plans to leave Al-Qadsiah so soon after signing. The question raised by his contract length is less about an exit and more about how his move will shape perceptions of Saudi clubs recruiting Eredivisie talent without paying transfer fees. As a Moroccan international, his form and game time will also matter for the Atlas Lions’ depth at left-back going forward.
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