By Michael Madyira
Morocco’s fine run at the 2022 Fifa World Cup might have opened doors to bigger clubs for a number of their players.
By reaching the semi-finals of the quadrennial global football contest, Walid Regragui’s men thrust themselves into the spotlight.
The transfer rumours coincide with the imminent opening of the January transfer window.
Liverpool, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly been impressed by Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who has featured in every minute of the Atlas Lions’ campaign in Qatar.
Reports suggest Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has held a meeting with Amrabat’s representatives, who include the player’s brother, Noureddine.
But the 26-year-old is said to prefer Atletico Madrid, after admitting he likes Diego Simeone’s style of play.
Angers chairman Said Chabane has admitted he has been receiving enquiries about midfielder Azzedine Ounahi amid Barcelona interest, as per major Spanish publications.
There is also reported Premier League interest in Ounahi from Leeds United, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Southampton, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Ounahi is regarded as a possible replacement for Youri Tielemans in the event the Leicester City star goes to Arsenal in January.
For a player who was playing third-tier football in France 18 months ago, his rise is a remarkable story, as Serie outfit Atalanta have also entered the race for his signature, according to reports.
His Angers teammate Sofiane Boufal has also reportedly charmed some big European clubs, according to Chabane, after starting all of Morocco’s six World Cup games.
Belgian side KAA Gent are reported to be preparing a bid for unsettled midfielder Selim Amallah.
Before the World Cup, Amallah was sent to train with the Standard Liege B after failing to agree on new contract terms.
Serie A giants AS Roma are said to have renewed interest in Achraf Dari despite the Brest defender making two appearances in Qatar.
The Italian giants were after Dari in the last transfer window and are back to court the Casablanca-born centre-back.
Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri may have had a bad day at the office against France but West Ham United are said to be leading the race to sign him in January.
After failing to progress to the final following a 2-0 defeat by France on Wednesday, Morocco players have another chance to shine at the World Cup when they face Croatia in Sunday’s third-place play-off.
Pictured above: Morocco national team players
Image source @FIFA
