Soufiane El Karouani Snubs European Giants for Ambitious Al-Qadsiah Project

Moroccan defender Soufiane El Karouani rejects Beşiktaş to sign with Saudi club Al-Qadsiah as his FC Utrecht contract expires this summer.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 9:13 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

The Final Decision in a Continental Tug of War

The long-running speculation regarding the future of Soufiane El Karouani has reached a definitive conclusion with the defender choosing the Middle East over established European alternatives. After a stellar campaign in the Eredivisie that saw him return to the Moroccan national team setup, El Karouani had become one of the most sought-after free agents on the continent. While several top-tier European clubs viewed the left-back as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition, the 25-year-old has opted for the ambitious long-term project at Al-Qadsiah. The move signals a growing trend of players in their professional prime choosing the Saudi Pro League, drawn by both the competitive financial packages and the rapid elevation of the league’s technical standards.

Beşiktaş Frustration Following Persistent Pursuit

The decision comes as a significant blow to Beşiktaş, who had designated El Karouani as their primary defensive target for the 2026/27 season. The Turkish Süper Lig giants had reportedly been in negotiations with the player’s representatives for months, offering a tempting financial package and the guarantee of European football. However, despite the lure of playing in Istanbul, the Moroccan international was reportedly more impressed by the structural vision presented by the Al-Qadsiah hierarchy. Beşiktaş’ failure to close the deal has forced the club to pivot toward alternative left-back options as they look to rebuild a squad capable of challenging for the Turkish title.

A Statistical Masterclass at FC Utrecht

El Karouani’s departure marks the end of a prolific chapter at FC Utrecht, where his offensive contributions from the back became a cornerstone of the team’s tactical identity. During the 2025/26 campaign, the defender registered an impressive 15 assists and 3 goals across 34 appearances in all competitions, numbers that placed him among the most productive full-backs in European football. His ability to provide width and elite crossing proved instrumental in Utrecht's push for a top-six finish, making his exit on a free transfer a difficult loss for the Dutch side. The player’s agents reportedly used these statistical peaks to negotiate a "top-tier" contract in Saudi Arabia that reflects his status as one of Africa’s premier emerging defenders.