FC Utrecht speak out on Souffian El Karouani amidst West Ham claims

West Ham United have been strongly linked with FC Utrecht’s Souffian El Karouani.

On December 19th, De Telegraaf reported West Ham want to sign the 25-year-old in the winter market. Three days later, claims from the Dutch press backed up the Hammers’ interest in the left-back.

Later that day, El Karouani said West Ham are a “great club” and he could join them next month.

Algemeen Dagblad have asked Utrecht majority owner Frans van Seumeren about the West Ham target.

Van Seumeren said the Eredivisie side turned down a €7m bid from Russia for the player last summer.

“It involved a transfer fee of almost €7m, while we as a club still have to make up €7.5m from our budget,” he said.

“Some people think such a transfer can go ahead because there are no sanctions. But given Russia’s war with Ukraine, you also think twice. Kees didn’t like it immediately, but the rest of the Supervisory Board was on the same page.”

Extension or sale desire for West Ham target

This could have an impact because the fullback is in his final year of contract. Their plan is to offer him an extension and should they fail, Utrecht will look to sell him next month.

“Of course, we’ll try to get a contract extension out of it,” Van Seumeren explained.

“Souffian has always said: ‘FC Utrecht can make money off me.’ But will he keep his word? Hopefully, we’ll find a good solution. Preferably with a longer contract, otherwise I hope we manage to sell him in the winter.”

As well as West Ham, Marseille, FC Porto, Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bologna are also credited with an interest in the Moroccan.

Another report from AD claims El Karouani would join a club where he can enjoy regular minutes. It ‘seems only a matter of time’ before he makes a decision, and AD indicate the player could be heading towards the Premier League in January.

This, coupled with the owner’s admission should provide Nuno Espírito Santo’s side the edge over other suitors.