18-assist full-back offered to Benfica, but didn't sway Marco Silva | OneFootball

Benfica continue to assess the transfer market in search of a solution capable of increasing competition in one of the defensive positions. The club’s board believes the squad could benefit from one more option, although this is not, at this stage, one of the absolute priorities for the structure led by Rui Costa.

Marco Silva wants to have a left-back with different characteristics from Samuel Dahl, although he recognizes that the Swedish international has delivered and responded positively since arriving at the Luz. The idea, therefore, is to find a player who can offer other solutions to the Portuguese coach and increase the variety within the squad.

In that context, El Karouani was offered to Benfica, but the Moroccan international’s name did not convince the club’s decision-makers. The player, who currently belongs to Al-Qadisiyah, was signed by the Saudi club this summer but has not yet been registered, a situation that could make it easier to seek a new solution for his future. Even so, the chances of a move to the Luz are slim.

The Moroccan defender finds himself in this situation after a standout season with Utrecht. In 50 matches, El Karouani managed four goals and 18 assists, numbers that show his attacking influence and explain the interest he has generated in the market. The full-back is now looking to find a new destination and was even linked with Benfica, but the club’s hierarchy believes there are other options better suited to Marco Silva’s needs.

In addition to Dahl, the coach can also count on José Neto, a young player of just 18 who is part of the Benfica squad and has mainly played for the B team. The board has great confidence in the player and sees him as one for the future, although Marco Silva considers it important for him to keep getting minutes with the reserve side in order to develop certain aspects of his game. As such, the Eagles continue to monitor the market, but El Karouani is not expected to be the chosen solution to strengthen the left side of the defense - where Alejandro Balde has already been linked.

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