Marco Silva unconvinced by El Karouani as Benfica target different left-back profile | OneFootball

Marco Silva has rejected the chance to sign El Karouani, so a move to Benfica currently looks unlikely.

According to Glorioso 1904, the club are scanning the market to add competition in defence. The board see value in another option, though it is not a top priority for Rui Costa’s leadership.

Silva wants a left-back with different attributes to Samuel Dahl, even while accepting the Sweden international has performed well since arriving at the Luz. The aim is to broaden the options available.

In that context, the Morocco international was offered to Benfica but did not convince the decision-makers. He belongs to Al-Qadisiyah after a summer move and has not yet been registered, which could ease a switch elsewhere. Despite that, a transfer to the Luz appears remote.

El Karouani comes off a standout season at Utrecht, making 50 appearances with four goals and 18 assists. Those numbers underline his attacking influence and explain the interest he has drawn.

Beyond Dahl, 18-year-old José Neto is part of the first-team group but features mainly for the B side. The club are optimistic about his potential, and Silva prefers he continues to log minutes there to refine his game. Benfica will keep the market under review for the left flank.

Source: Glorioso 1904

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”