the heroes of the World Cup do not really ignite the transfer window

For a very long time now, the World Cup has been a real spotlight for the careers of certain players. Those who shine in this prestigious competition often take the opportunity to join prestigious clubs where they can be coveted on the transfer market. Examples abound. We think of Mesut Özil, James Rodriguez, Keylor Navas or even Diego Laxalt and Aleksandr Golovin. During this World Cup, the Moroccan selection shone by reaching the semi-finals of the competition. The opportunity to shed light on several very talented players who were to ignite the winter transfer window. But, the observation is clear: less than a week from the end of the transfer window, absolutely no Moroccan has moved despite the interests of certain clubs.

Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi, still not close to a departure

The two players who were announced very close to a departure made up the midfielder of the Atlas Lions. Sofyan Ambrat, phenomenal during the tournament with Morocco, was a profile that appealed strongly to several European teams. In particular Liverpool who had even beaten everyone since Jürgen Klopp had met the player’s entourage just before the World Cup. A project considered interesting by the player just like that of Atlético de Madrid. But Sofyan Amrabat had given his preference to the Madrid club project, which corresponds more to his style of play and his desire to discover La Liga. Problem, the means of Colchoneros on the transfer market this winter are very limited. And in this case, the parties came up against the demands of Fiorentina which, after having tried to extend its player, is very greedy. Result, despite negotiations, the player has still not packed his bags. And the club’s sporting director, Joe Barone, confirmed the club’s desire to keep him this winter.

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Sofyan Amrabat wants to join Atletico de Madrid!

On the side of Angers, it is generally the same situation with Azzedine Ounahi, or almost. The 22-year-old midfielder was certainly the Moroccan with the highest odds on the transfer market. A technical midfielder, he shone at the World Cup and caught the eye of the big European teams. The president of Angers had even declared that it would be very complicated to keep him this winter. But now, despite offers from Naples of 19 million or Leeds of 25 million, the Moroccan international has still not left the current red lantern of the French championship. For the moment, his situation seems to be at a complete standstill. This raises questions as his rating was at its highest at the start of the transfer window. To see him stay in Angers until the end of the transfer window would then be a real coup, but everything could accelerate in the last hours.

Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech, nothing concrete

In attack, there was also expected movement. The first concerned Sofiane Boufal. The Moroccan international, who also plays for the last of Ligue 1 Angers, took advantage of the World Cup to talk about him again and showed that his technical quality was still impressive. At almost 30 years old, and after a very decent half-season in a team in difficulty (4 goals, 3 assists), Sofiane Boufal did not hide her desire to discover a new challenge this winter in a more upscale club. During the World Cup, he also made no secret of his desire to return to La Liga in a championship that he still appreciates so much and that he knew with Celta Vigo. But now, strangely, the Moroccan striker did not receive any interesting offers during this transfer window. Two clubs from the Gulf countries have made offers, Turkish clubs have shown interest but the player wants to stay in a competitive league and in an ambitious team. It is therefore dead calm for the moment for him too.

It’s basically the same refrain for his teammate in the Moroccan attack Hakim Ziyech. At a standstill before the World Cup, the former Ajax magician found playing time and rhythm during the World Cup with Morocco. Not at all in Graham Potter’s plans, he nevertheless took advantage of the many injuries while attacking to earn a starting spot in January. But he is not at all in his management’s plans, as evidenced by the arrivals of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Joao Felix or even Noni Madueke in front during this transfer window. These last few months have allowed Ziyech to regain his standing on the transfer market. But with his very large salary, few clubs can really position themselves on this issue. Recently, AS Roma took the temperature as did some Premier League clubs (including Everton). But nothing concrete, so much so that some wonder if he will not finish the season with the Blues…

The En-Nesyri surprise, the case of Sofiane Amallah and Yassine Bounou

Another player was announced more than leaving: Selim Amallah. Even without his World Cup, it would have been difficult to imagine the future of the 26-year-old midfielder still at Standard de Liège as his situation is ubiquitous. Dismissed from the professional group after refusing to extend, Amallah expected to have a choice during this winter transfer window, even more after his serious World Cup. But after more than 24 days in the transfer window, there was absolutely nothing. In private, the player was even surprised at the lack of interest from the clubs. Refused by FC Nantes, tracked by Torino for this summer, the former Mouscron had no concrete offer or any discussion started. In recent hours, it seems that he is getting closer to Real Valladolid, current 18th in the ranking according to the Spanish press. A choice which also illustrates the few requests during this transfer window.

In attack, Youssef En-Nesyri also animates the transfer window without moving for the moment. And it wasn’t specifically planned. In difficulty with Sevilla since his return from injury, the Moroccan striker regained confidence during the World Cup by being one of the key elements of Walid Regragui (2 goals). Courted by West Ham for several months, he had announced that he wanted to stay in Spain. But it is not really the wish of his club which needs money nor of his coach Jorge Sampaoli who does not appreciate his profile. We also revealed to you that Nice had started discussions in the event of failure of the Terem Moffi track. The Moroccan has already given his agreement, but the people of Nice are waiting for the end of the Moffi soap opera to position themselves or not.

Finally at Sevilla FC, another Moroccan has been talked about: Yassine Bounou. The goalkeeper, one of the best in his position at the moment and excellent at the World Cup, is logically popular on the market. He had started discussions with Bayern Munich who were looking for a number 1 and with Manchester United. But Sevilla, who are surprisingly playing for maintenance this season, are reluctant to part with an excellent goalkeeper and are therefore very greedy on the market. The sum requested by the Andalusian management has already scared away several clubs. Great hero of the World Cup with Morocco, Yassine Bounou should not ignite the end of the winter transfer window. A bit like the others that were announced everywhere on January 1st. Finally, the surprise of Morocco the left side of Wydad Casablanca Yahya Attiat-Allah was to take advantage of his good performance to negotiate a departure for Europe. Despite the very concrete interest of Montpellier who still want it, Wydad has still not agreed on the amount of the transfer after already 2 offers.