FC Porto keep tabs on Ali Maamar, Anderlecht right-back | OneFootball

FC Porto have reportedly been the latest club linked with a possible move for Ali Maamar, a 21-year-old footballer who has been growing in importance within Anderlecht’s first team, according to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad on Friday.

The board led by André Villas-Boas, the publication writes, have not yet made any concrete offer to the historic Brussels club for the Moroccan international. The player, however, has been closely monitored by the blue-and-white side, who could launch a move before long.

Born in Brussels, the right-back came through the youth ranks at Lierse Kempenzonen and KV Mechelen before joining Anderlecht in 2019 at just 14 years old. Since then, he has steadily shown the qualities attributed to him and gradually earned his place at the club.

His first-team debut came on 12 January 2025. On that occasion, coach David Hubert started him in the heavy 0-3 defeat to Club Brugge at Lotto Park, in a match from the 21st round of the Belgian league.

In total, he has already made 53 appearances at the highest level, providing six assists. His most recent outing came last Thursday, in the 1-1 draw against Hammarby in the first leg of the second Europa League qualifying round. That match also marked the debut of Vítor Bruno, former Porto coach, on the Belgian side’s bench.

Anderlecht promise not to make things easy

According to the same source, Anderlecht are not willing to let go easily of one of their main assets, especially because, in the absence of the injured Killian Sardella and Ilay Camara, they have no other natural option for the right side of defence.

The lack of options led the club to try to strengthen the squad managed by Portuguese coach Vítor Bruno. Stefan Baiaram was one of the possibilities considered, but negotiations with Universitatea Craiova, the club of the 23-year-old Romanian, ultimately did not progress.

If the Belgian side cannot sign another right-back, the possible transfer of the Moroccan international to FC Porto is unlikely to go through. The Dragons are also facing problems in that position due to the injuries to Alberto Costa and Martim Fernandes.

“Exemplary discipline”

When signing his current contract with Anderlecht in 2025, valid until June 2028, the club’s academy director Tim Borguet was full of praise for the young talent: “Ali has been doing very well with the juniors this season. This is a good moment to confirm our mutual commitment.”

“Maamar is a right-back who can also play on the other flank. He adds a lot of drive and depth, often gets to the byline and delivers good crosses. Ali’s debut for the first team says a lot about his exemplary discipline and the path he and his family have taken,” he said.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.