One of Europe’s most creative talents probably has Ollie Scarles to blame as a potential January switch to West Ham United slips through his grasp.
Nuno Espirito Santo was ‘delighted’ to see Scarles bounce back from that Fulham blunder in late-December to remind the supporters, during El Hadji Malick Diouf’s absence, exactly why he remains their reigning Young Player of the Year.
Unfortunately for Souffian El Karouani, Scarles’ revival could hardly have come at a worse time.
Pretend YOU call the shots – who are you signing on Deadline Day?! 🤑
Feel free to name one REALISTIC target and one DREAM addition 😂
According to Dutch publication RTV, the Dutch-born Morocco international was supposed to be ‘on his way’ to West Ham United at the start of 2026. But with Scarles stepping up during Diouf’s victorious Africa Cup of Nations campaign, with Ezra Mayers also making his first-team breakthrough, a new left-back quickly tumbled down the list of mid-season priorities.
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West Ham United will not sign Souffian El Karouani as Utrecht ace agrees Saudi Arabia move
El Karouani’s name has all-but disappeared from the gossip columns over the last three weeks. Well, the English gossip columns anyway.
Over in France, Foot Mercato are now reporting that El Karouani has agreed to sign for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Qadsiah when his FC Utrecht contract expires in the summer.
Marseille wanted the 25-year-old as a back-up to former Hammers ace Emerson Palmieri. Meanwhile, the Middle East-bound set-piece specialist also made no secret of the fact he was very interested in a move to the Premier League.
El Karouani called West Ham a ‘great club’ when asked about their interest a month ago.
If you had to rate this signing between 1 and 5, what would you go for? 🤔
We're closing in on a defender, but is he the right one?! 👀
“It’s a goal of mine to reach the World Cup [with Morocco],” he said. “Going to a bigger club can also make a difference. A club might come along in January, buy me, and I’ll play every game there.
“[A move to England] could happen. [West Ham] is a great club. My agent is working on my behalf. I’m waiting to see what happens. I can look back on a wonderful year in Utrecht.”
El Karouani has provided 15 assists in 34 games from left-back this season.
He will join an Al Qadsiah outfit coached by ex-Leicester City, Liverpool and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, with his new teammates including Real Madrid cult hero Nacho, Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels, and Portugal midfielder Otavio.
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