Othmane Maâloul: A Rising Star in European Football
Three prominent European clubs, including FC Porto, the reigning champions of the Portuguese league, have set their sights on the promising Moroccan talent Othmane Maâloul as the summer transfer window nears its deadline. With the goal of bolstering their squads for the 2026-2027 season, these clubs are eager to secure the services of the 20-year-old midfielder.
Othmane Maâloul has captured attention with his impressive performances for the Moroccan U20 national team during the 2025 World Cup held in Chile. His contributions were pivotal in leading Morocco to its first-ever global football title, as the Atlas Lions triumphed over formidable opponents such as France, Brazil, and Argentina, ultimately clinching the championship under the guidance of current senior team coach Mohamed Wahbi.
Like many of his U20 teammates, Maâloul, who was named the tournament's best player, has garnered significant interest from various European clubs. Although he recently joined English club Watford, indications suggest that he is poised for a new chapter in his career as FC Porto, Benfica, and Bologna are actively competing to add the talented attacking midfielder to their rosters for the current season.
According to French sports news outlet "Foot Mercato," the competition to secure Maâloul—often dubbed the “Moroccan Ronaldo” due to his remarkable footballing talent and physical attributes reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo—is intensifying. Bologna appears particularly keen, expressing confidence in Maâloul's potential after he has made one appearance for the senior national team. The club may pursue his acquisition should Jonathan Rowe depart from Atalanta, as rumored.
FC Porto is also monitoring Maâloul, a graduate of the Montpellier academy, while Benfica officials are reportedly in communication with the player’s entourage to gain insights into his current situation at Watford.
In the previous season, Maâloul played 25 matches in the English Championship with Watford, scoring four goals and providing one assist. The Moroccan midfielder is tied to Watford with a contract that runs until 2029, and his market value is estimated at €8 million, according to Transfermarkt. His outstanding performance in the U20 World Cup, coupled with his impressive showing during the latter half of the season in England, earned him a call-up to the senior national team last May, where he participated in a training camp in preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
As reported by eremnews.com.
