Morocco’s El-Kaabi decides against signing for Zamalek

Ayoub El Kaabi of Morocco celebrates his goal during the 2018 Chan semifinal game between Morocco and Libya at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, Morocco on 31 January 2018 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Jul 11, 2018. 13:00

News from North Africa suggests that Morocco and RS Berkane forward Ayoub El-Kaabi’s move to Zamalek has fallen through after he agreed to join a Chinese club.

El-Kaabi has been linked with a possible transfer to the White Castle and speculation about a potential move increased after chairman Mortada Mansour confirmed the club were in talks with the forward.

However, RS Berkane opted to sell the Atlas Lions star to a Chinese side after they offered $6.5 million compared to Zamalek’s $2.5 million bid, according to Mansour.

“It’s over, Ayoub El-Kaabi will go to China,” Mansour told LTC.

“The Chinese offer exceeded $6 million and therefore the Moroccan club accepted their offer. RS Berkane president apologised to me.”

According to KingFut, the 25-year-old forward was Berkane’s key man last season where he scored 12 goals and assisting a further two in 22 games.

His impressive performances earned him a national team call-up from coach Herve Renard and was part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

El-Kaabi started Morocco’s opening game against Iran and featured against Portugal as the Atlas Lions were eliminated from the group stages.