Benjamin Bouchouari’s transfer to Trabzonspor seemed almost done. Discussions were well advanced, figures were circulating, and the Moroccan player appeared to be on his way to the Süper Lig. But as is often the case in football, nothing is finalized until everything is officially completed. The deal is currently on hold.
Announced insistently in Turkey last week, Bouchouari was reportedly subject to an agreement estimated between 3.5 and 4.5 million euros with the club Trabzon. The 23-year-old midfielder, whose contract with AS Saint-Étienne expires at the end of the season, seemed ready to take the next step. However, according to Foot Mercato, the negotiations are now on hold.
The reason: the arrival of a new contender. The media reveals that “a major French club” has shown strong interest in recent days in the Moroccan international, completely changing the situation. Since then, talks between the different parties have made no progress, and the player finds himself at the center of a transfer saga.
Arriving in the Forez region in summer 2022 from Roda JC, Bouchouari has played 96 matches for Saint-Étienne, including 70 as a starter. Officially sidelined with a back injury, he has not participated in any preseason matches since training resumed. His current market value is estimated at 5 million euros according to Transfermarkt.
The suspense therefore remains intact regarding Bouchouari’s future destination, torn between a move to the Süper Lig and a potentially tempting offer from Ligue 1.
