Moroccan Star Adel Taarabt Parts Ways with Benfica Ahead of World Cup

The Atlas Lion’s contract with the club was officially terminated on Thursday, September 1, although it was not due to expire until June 2023. It’s not for lack of trying to find another way out. Adel Taarabt was no longer in coach Roger Schmidt’s plans and recruitment offers concerning him were rather rare.

The two parties therefore decided to find an agreement for an amicable separation. "Sport Lisboa de Benfica and the player Adel Taarabt have agreed to terminate the employment contract that bound the two parties, by mutual agreement," Benfica explained in a statement. Since Thursday, the 33-year-old Moroccan is free to sign with the club of his choice. If he wants to give himself a chance to participate in the World Cup, he will have to hurry to find a club. He could relaunch himself in Turkey or Saudi Arabia.

Adel Taarabt joined Benfica Lisbon in July 2015. He was loaned to Genoa from January 2017 to May 2018 before returning for the 2018-2019 season. With the club, he won the Portuguese Championship, then the Super Cup. He played 129 matches with the Benfica Lisbon first team and scored 2 goals.