6 Moroccans Who Need To Move This Summer 🇲🇦🦁

Hakim Ziyech

After signing for Chelsea from Ajax for £36 million in the summer of 2020, a lot was expected of the wizard in his debut Premier League season. However, injury stunted Ziyech in the first half of the season and the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as head coach in January led to him having more of a squad role rather than being a sure-starter under Lampard. The Moroccan attacker did contribute some big goals when he was called upon, scoring against Atletico Madrid in Chelsea’s run to Champions League glory and against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. In saying that, it is clear to see that Ziyech doesn’t fit into Tuchel’s system and there are players which the German prefers to use over him. Currently, there are some reports linking the Moroccan with a move to AC Milan, which would make sense as he would become one of their most important players and be able to rebuild his confidence in a much more forgiving league.

Amine Harit

With Schalke being relegated from the Bundesliga, Amine Harit needs to move on and get his career back on track. He showed in glimpses last season what he is capable of, most notably his performance in Schalke’s 4-0 win over Hoffenheim, where he scored one and assisted three. But a mixture of inconsistency and attitude problems have really held him back not only for his club but at international level as Vahid Halilhodzic has omitted him from recent Morocco squads. A new environment would be perfect for Harit to thrive in, with the strongest links coming from current Europa League holders Villarreal, who were said to be interested in January.

Oussama Idrissi

Last season was extremely difficult for Oussama Idrissi. He struggled for minutes with Sevilla so was loaned out to Ajax in search of game time but David Neres was preferred, leaving the Moroccan in exactly the same position. Idrissi could do with another season on loan at a club where he will start most games and be able to show his 19/20 AZ Alkmaar level of performances. He could choose to fight for his place with Sevilla but risk letting his career stagnate for another season. Whatever he decides, this season will be make or break for the winger.

Noussair Mazraoui

Where to start with Noussair Mazraoui. The 23-year-old had another injury-hit season, managing just 19 Eredivisie appearances as a freak eye injury as well as other minor knocks blighted his campaign. With just one year left on his contract, it is now an ideal time for the right back to make the step up to a major league and kick on in his career. The obvious caveat for potential suitors would be his injury record, which on paper doesn’t look great. To be fair to Mazraoui, the eye injury that ruled him out for a few months of last season was extremely unfortunate and shouldn’t be held against him when discussing the potential red flag of his injury record. When he was on the pitch, he performed pretty well, with his best showing coming at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League. Here he showcased his ability in both sides of the game, containing the threat of Sadio Mane and attacking with the drive and purpose of a certain other Moroccan full back. A move will all depend on a club willing to take a risk on his propensity to stay healthy.

Jawad El Yamiq

Another Moroccan who was unfortunately relegated was Jawad El Yamiq with Real Valladolid. The

centre back only moved to the Spanish side at the start of last season. He performed well enough attract potential suitors and ply his trade in a top league next season. It will be crucial for El Yamiq to be playing at a high level in order to earn a place in the Morocco squad for the upcoming AFCON as there is a lot of competition in central defence especially. Current reports are linking El Yamiq with multiple La Liga outfits.

Selim Amallah

Now aged 24, Selim Amallah is at the stage of his career where a move from the Jupiler Pro League in Belgium to a top league in Europe would be highly beneficial. The attacking midfielder had another good season with Standard Liege, scoring 10 times and assisting four. His recent performances for Morocco however have been very disappointing and a transfer to a better league with better quality players alongside him can hopefully take his game to the next level. There haven’t been any concrete links to any clubs as of yet, but it would not be a surprise to see Amallah make a move this summer.