After shining in the Africa Cup of Nations, Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi has become the focus of attention for many European clubs looking to sign him during the ongoing winter transfer window.
The French clubs Nantes and Angers appear to be among the teams impressed by the performance of the Atlas Lions star in the continental tournament, according to a news report on Tuesday.
Moroccan Ayoub El Kaabi Catches the Eye of European Clubs
El Kaabi, who currently plays for Greek side Olympiacos, has dazzled everyone with a series of decisive goals at both the international and European levels.
French talent scouts have identified El Kaabi, whose market value is around 5 million euros (approximately 5.4 million dollars), as a suitable and high-quality option to strengthen their attacking lines during the winter transfer period.
Despite the growing interest from Ligue 1 clubs, El Kaabi clarified that stability is his priority. An online report indicated that he is happy in Greece and is focused on maintaining his form and his place in Morocco’s starting lineup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The report added that this commitment makes an immediate transfer to France unlikely for El Kaabi, even amidst ongoing speculation about his departure.
Thanks to his speed, excellent positioning, and finishing ability, El Kaabi has become a standout player, attracting the attention of many European clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options at a reasonable transfer cost. For Nantes and Angers, signing El Kaabi represents an opportunity to add proven international experience to their squads.
Reports suggest that both clubs are monitoring his situation closely, but they face a challenge in convincing the player.
Moroccan Ayoub El Kaabi
Ayoub El Kaabi is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a striker for the national team and the Greek club Olympiacos. He rose to prominence by leading Morocco to victory in the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he was the tournament’s top scorer and scored the winning goal in the final.
Zambia
Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, historically inhabited by Bantu-speaking groups before coming under British colonial rule as Northern Rhodesia until gaining independence in 1964. It is renowned for its vast natural attractions, most notably Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, located on the border with Zimbabwe.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to foster unity and showcase the continent’s football talent, with Egypt winning the inaugural tournament.
Moroccan
Morocco is a North African country with a rich cultural history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) peoples, Arab influence from the 7th century, and later European interactions. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Fez and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, reflect this diverse heritage through distinctive architecture, art, and traditions.
Atlas Lions
The “Atlas Lions” is the nickname for the Moroccan national football team, derived from the Barbary lion that historically inhabited the Atlas Mountains. The team’s history is marked by significant achievements, including becoming the first African and Arab team to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2022.
Greek
Greece is a country in southeastern Europe known as the cradle of Western civilization, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It was home to influential ancient city-states like Athens and Sparta, which pioneered developments in democracy, philosophy, and the arts. Its rich cultural heritage is preserved in iconic sites such as the Acropolis in Athens and the ruins of Delphi.
Olympiacos
Olympiacos is a major professional football club based in Piraeus, Greece, founded in 1925. It is historically the most successful club in Greek football, having won numerous domestic championships and cups. The club has a deep-rooted rivalry with Panathinaikos, and its home ground is the Karaiskakis Stadium.
France
France is a Western European nation with a rich history dating back to ancient Gaul, later evolving into a powerful monarchy and a center of the Enlightenment. It is renowned for its global cultural influence, from art and philosophy to cuisine and fashion, and is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. The country played a pivotal role in world events, including the French Revolution, which established foundational republican principles.
Nantes
Nantes is a historic city in western France, known for its role as a major port and the former capital of the Duchy of Brittany. Its history is marked by the prosperous 18th-century slave trade and the influential Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted rights to French Protestants. Today, the city is recognized for its vibrant cultural scene and landmarks like the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
Angers
Angers is a historic city in western France, best known for the massive Château d’Angers, a 13th-century fortress built on the orders of Louis IX. The site is also home to the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a medieval masterpiece commissioned in the 14th century. Its history is deeply tied to the Dukes of Anjou and the Plantagenet dynasty.
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 is the top professional football division in France, founded in 1932 under the name National before being renamed Division 1 and later adopting its current name in 2002. It is historically dominated by clubs like Saint-Étienne and Marseille, though Paris Saint-Germain has been its most successful team in the modern era.
Greece
Greece is a southeastern European country widely regarded as the cradle of Western civilization, being the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Its history spans millennia, from the advanced Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations to the influential Classical period of city-states like Athens and Sparta, followed by Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule before gaining independence in the 19th century. The country is famed for its numerous ancient archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis in Athens and the sanctuary of Delphi, alongside its iconic islands and Mediterranean coastline.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Fez and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, reflect this blend of Arab, Islamic, and Amazigh heritage. The country’s historic medinas, kasbahs, and varied landscapes from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains are central to its identity.
2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It marks the first time the World Cup is shared by three nations, with Mexico becoming the first country to host the men’s event three times.
