Moroccan World Cup Stars Opt for Gulf Clubs Over European Giants

The rush of Moroccan players to the Gulf began during the summer 2023 transfer window. Captain Romain Saïss, who opened the ball of departures, flew to Al-Sadd (Qatar) from Beşiktaş (Turkey), for an amount of 2.5 million euros. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is following in his footsteps. He is leaving FC Sevilla (Spain) for Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) after winning the Europa League thanks to exceptional performances, under a contract of 21 million euros. Saudi Arabia is attracting other Moroccan players. Jawad El Yamiq is leaving Real Valladolid (Spain) to join Al-Wehda (Saudi Arabia) in a 1.2 million euro transaction. His compatriot Abdelhamid Sabiri, who was in difficulty at Fiorentina (Italy), joins Al-Fayha (Saudi Arabia) during the same transfer window, reports Al3omk.

In the Qatar Stars League, Sofiane Boufal, now a player for Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium), was one of the first to leave for Qatar. He joined Al-Rayyan a few weeks after the 2022 World Cup. He is followed by Romain Saïss. Hakim Ziyech, who was no longer in Galatasaray’s plans, is also joining the same championship. Another name on the list: defender Badr Banoun, who has been playing for Al-Qatar (Qatar) since the summer of 2022, after leaving Al-Ahly (Egypt) for 1.7 million euros.

Even if the choice of players from the national team to play in the Saudi Pro League, the Qatar Stars League or other Gulf championships is explained by financial or personal factors, particularly for those who have not fully had their chance in Europe, it nevertheless raises questions and concerns, as the market value of players decreases after their transfer to Arab Gulf clubs, due to criteria established by the specialized platform "Transfermarkt", which evaluates the statistics and performance of players. Even those who shine with their clubs are affected. For example, the value of Yassine Bounou, who is showing a remarkable level with Al-Hilal, has dropped to 7 million euros.