West Ham United have renewed their interest in Moroccan full-back, Souffian El Karouani. The Hammer’s were interested in the attacking defender in January, with most thinking that interest would waver following the winter window.
The 25-year-old was keen on a move to West Ham, but things did not materialise and the player remained at FC Utrecht. Just weeks ago, there were reports of El Karouani signing for Saudi Arabian side, Al Qadisiah, but these reports have been quashed, with the defender still likely to move on in the near future.
El Karouni is set-piece specialist and has dominated the assist charts in Eredivisie this season. Reports state that West Ham are still very much interested in the 25-year-old, alongside the likes of Leeds United, Sporting Lisbon and FC Porto.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team were very interested in the player last month, but the emphasis on adding strikers saw them pause a move. The emergence of Ollie Scarles is also seen as a factor in the Hammers holding off on pulling the trigger with the move. El Karouani is out of contract this summer, with London his preferred destination.
Who is Souffian El Karouani?
Dutch-born full-back El Karouani is everything you want from an attacking defender. The predominately left-sided player has played his entire career in the Netherlands, currently turning out for FC Utrecht.
The 25-year-old, who began his career at NEC Nijmegen, is enjoying his most creative season after breaking out last campaign. Playing left-back, El Karouani has 16 assists this season, the most of any player in the Eredivisie. The player has also found the net three times himself, the joint highest tally of his career.
Souffian El Karouani’s 2025/26 FC Utrecht Statistics
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 38 | 3 | 16 |
El Karouani made his debut for Morocco in 2022, with his fine form allowing him to return to the national team picture, even if he did miss out on the AFCON squad. Recently the defender called West Ham a great club, when discussing a possible summer move with media:
“I will sit down with my father and agent and assess the situation. But first, I’ll focus on these [final matches of 2025/26],
“[A move to England] could happen. [West Ham] is a great club.”
West Ham’s left full-back options
At present, West Ham only have two senior options at left-back. El Hadji Malick Diouf, who was signed in summer, has been the primary option. Initially bought play wing-back, the Senegal international has been able to play either role, but his creativity has slowed since reverting to a full-back.
Diouf’s departure for the AFCON is said to have sped up the Hammers interest in El Karouani, but 20-year-old Scarles provided an able deputy. The youngster prefers to play higher up the pitch, giving his all, but making some mistakes defensivley.
West Ham are expected to add in the area this summer. El Karouani will be a name near the top of that list.
