Souffian El Karouani
UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS – NOVEMBER 6 2025: Souffian El Karouani, Victor Froholdt during the UEFA Europa League 2025-26 League Phase MD4 match between FC Utrecht and FC Porto at Stadion Galgenwaard
West Ham United and Leeds United are among the clubs in the mix to sign FC Utrecht’s Souffian El Karouani.
That’s according to Africa Foot, who cover the latest on West Ham and Leeds United and the left-back’s future plans.
The Morocco international has less than six months left on his contract and is unlikely to sign an extension.
West Ham and Leeds United in battle
His contract situation makes him an attractive option for several clubs, like West Ham and Leeds United, who are ‘eager to secure a strategic signing’.
Sport Witness covered the Dutch claims that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side showed interest in the 25-year-old for the winter market. Two months ago, he even hailed the Hammers as a “great club”, but a move never took shape in January.
West Ham continue to chase the fullback and have joined Daniel Farke’s side and others. Recent claims elsewhere have reported Marseille interest, but a source close to the player has dismissed it.
‘There’s never been a concrete offer or serious financial discussions. If that had been the case, the player could have signed a pre-contract, which has never been considered so far,’ a source told Africa Foot.
Hammers more serious than Whites
The outlet say several agents [likely intermediaries] have informed El Karouani of interest from West Ham, Leeds United, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, VfL Wolfsburg and FC Porto.
Among these clubs, Africa Foot explain that West Ham and the Yellow Canaries appear to be the ‘most serious’ clubs. The report adds other clubs, including the Whites, could make advances in the coming months.
In short, the defender has several options to pick from when deciding his next club. He’ll make a decision at the end of the season, after evaluating all offers and projects. Africa Foot have found out about this from the Moroccan’s entourage.
‘Souffian is in no hurry. He will wait for the summer transfer window to calmly analyse the offers and choose the most suitable project for the next stage of his career,’ a source close to his entourage said.
El Karouani operated only as a left-back this season, managing three goals and 16 assists from 38 matches for FC Utrecht.