In a move that underscores its high ambitions following its return to the top flight, Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadisiyah, recently promoted to the Saudi Professional League, has reached a final agreement to sign Moroccan international left-back Soufiane El Karouani. Reliable transfer market journalist Santi Ona confirmed that the deal is complete and the player is set to officially join the team at the start of the upcoming summer transfer window, becoming the club's first major signing in preparation for the 2024-2025 season.
Background of the deal and Al-Qadisiyah's ambitions
This signing comes as part of Al-Qadisiyah's strategic plan, which has not only secured promotion to the Saudi Professional League after winning the Yellow League title, but also aims to build a team capable of strong competition. Following the Saudi Aramco acquisition of the club, ambitions have risen significantly, with Al-Qadisiyah aiming to establish itself among the elite and compete for top positions. The acquisition of international players at the peak of their careers, such as the 25-year-old Croatian, sends a clear message about the seriousness of the club's project and its desire to build a well-rounded squad that combines experience and talent.
Who is Sufyan Al-Karwani?
Sofiane El Karouani is one of the most prominent left-backs in the Dutch Eredivisie. He began his career in the Netherlands, shining brightly with NEC Nijmegen before moving to FC Utrecht, where he continued to deliver outstanding performances. This season, El Karouani has demonstrated his exceptional attacking abilities in addition to his defensive contributions, participating in 34 matches across all competitions. He has scored 3 goals and provided 15 assists, an exceptional tally for a defender that reflects his quality in playmaking and providing attacking support from the left flank.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
At the local level, Al-Krouani's arrival represents a significant technical boost for Al-Qadisiyah, providing the team with a modern solution at left-back, a position that has become pivotal in modern football. At the Saudi Professional League level, this signing further underscores the league's growing appeal, which is no longer limited to attracting international stars at the end of their careers, but has become a preferred destination for international players at the peak of their technical and physical abilities. Al-Krouani's presence also strengthens the already strong Moroccan presence in the league, increasing viewership of the competition in North Africa. This signing is expected to be just the beginning of a series of acquisitions the club will make to bolster its squad before the start of the new season.
