Souffian El Karouani has officially joined Benfica on loan from Al-Qadsiah FC. The 25-year-old Moroccan international signed a one-season contract with a €10 million option to buy.
“It means a lot to me,” he said. This is a huge club, one of the biggest in Europe. I’m thrilled to be here! Since arriving, I’ve felt good. Seeing the stadium is special. My main goal is to win titles. When you play for a club this big, it can’t be any other way," said El Karouani after signing.
He becomes the latest Moroccan left-back to move to Portugal during the summer transfer window. Earlier in the window, Moncef Zekri joined Sporting Lisbon, another of the Portuguese capital’s biggest clubs, from Belgium’s KV Mechelen.
Born in the Dutch city of Den Bosch, El Karouani signed a three-year contract with Al-Qadsiah FC on June 4, 2026. He did not make an official appearance for the Saudi club.
