Souffian El Karouani, a 25-year-old Moroccan international, has confirmed interest from multiple clubs and may have played his last game for FC Utrecht, although he is uncertain if a sale will happen in the winter. West Ham United is one of the clubs with a strong interest in signing him. The club, currently eighteenth in the Premier League, views El Karouani as a new left-back. The player did not deny this, stating that a move is possible and that he considers West Ham a great club. Jordy Zuidam, FC Utrecht's technical director, is now managing the situation, and several clubs have made inquiries with him. El Karouani explained that the final choice will be his after the club decides, and his agent is currently working on his behalf.
The defender joined Utrecht in July 2023 and has a contract until June 2026. He has scored 2 goals and provided 9 assists in 16 Eredivisie appearances this season. His current market value, according to Transfermarkt, is €15.00m. It was reported that an €8 million bid from Hoffenheim was rejected in January 2025. During the summer of 2025, Utrecht's asking price was between €9 million and €12 million.
