The Moroccan full-back El Karouani became a Benfica signing for the 2024/25 sports season, arriving on loan with a purchase option. The 23-year-old player already moved to Saudi Arabia this summer, but ended up without a place at his new club, which opened the door for the transfer to the Eagles.
El Karouani exploded in European football while playing for NEC Nijmegen, where he demonstrated his qualities as a left-back. He later transferred to Utrecht, where he continued to establish himself as one of the best full-backs in the Dutch league.
The Moroccan player's main quality is his ability to create play and provide assists. Throughout his time in the Netherlands, he became a reference in terms of decisive passes for his teammates.
With this signing, Benfica reinforces their left flank with a young player, with international experience, who arrives in good form, after having been one of the revelations of Dutch football in recent seasons.
