Marseille interested in Utrecht’s Souffian El Karouani | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille are interested in FC Utrecht defender Souffian El Karouani (25), according to a report from Foot Mercato. 

Marseille added Emerson Palmieri late in the transfer window as the club looked to bolster their defensive options. The former West Ham United has – by and large – been a success so far at the Vélodrome, however, as the January window approaches, OM are still looking to add further options and crucially, a different profile in this position. 

El Karouani, a Morocco international, has been in excellent form this season. He has three goals and 15 assists in 27 games in all competitions this season, making him the defender with the most goal contributions in Europe this season. However, he has not been rewarded for his form with a call-up to the Morroco squad for the upcoming AFCON. 

OM are interested in the player, however, they may face competition from FC Porto and Benfica, Foot Mercato understands. El Karaouni’s contract at Utrecht expires at the end of the season, and he does not plan on extending, but one of the aforementioned clubs could look to steal a march on the competition by signing him this January. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle