Souffian El Karouani has arrived in Lisbon to complete a season-long loan move to Benfica, just three months after joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah from FC Utrecht.
The 25-year-old Morocco international landed in the Portuguese capital on Sunday evening as Benfica finalised an agreement to bring the left-back back to European football. The Portuguese top-flight club have also reportedly negotiated an option to make the transfer permanent for 10m euros.
El Karouani joined Al-Qadsiah this summer from FC Utrecht without a transfer fee. However, his prospects of regular first-team football in Saudi Arabia were limited by the club’s registration restrictions.
Al-Qadsiah are permitted to register only eight foreign players aged over 23, meaning the club had to find an alternative arrangement for the defender despite having signed him only recently. Benfica emerged as the solution, with El Karouani now set to spend the season in Portugal.
Speaking to Portuguese media after arriving at Lisbon Airport, El Karouani expressed his delight at the move.
“It is a fantastic feeling, I am incredibly happy to be here and I cannot wait to get started.”
The defender said the opportunity to return to Europe, combined with Benfica’s standing in the game, made the decision straightforward.
“I had the opportunity to return to Europe and Benfica is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so I did not hesitate for long,” he added.
El Karouani also set out his ambitions for the campaign, with silverware his primary target at the Portuguese club.
“I want to win a trophy and have a good season at Benfica.”
The Moroccan remains under contract with Al-Qadsiah until the middle of 2029, despite his immediate move away from the Saudi club. His temporary transfer to Benfica could therefore become permanent if the Portuguese side decide to activate the reported 10m-euro purchase option at the end of the loan.
The move gives El Karouani a rapid route back into European football after only a short spell in Saudi Arabia. He made the switch to Al-Qadsiah from FC Utrecht without a fee earlier this summer, but the club’s limit on overseas players over the age of 23 has led to his departure after just three months.
Benfica will now provide the next stage of his career, with the defender arriving determined to establish himself, compete for honours and make the most of his return to Europe.